Physical activity and interaction for less active pupils at elementary school: The experiences of teachers and parents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore how teachers and parents experience and reflect on participation and interaction with and between less active fifth-grade pupils in physically active academic lessons, in the school playground and during physical activity homework. This study formed part of the Active Smarter Kids study investigating the effects of daily physical activity on academic performance and health, and generated qualitative data from focus group interviews with teachers and parents. We identified three main themes: (1) aiming at and planning for interaction – a critical prerequisite for learning; (2) negotiating collaborative interaction during activities at school; and (3) facilitating physical activity at home through collaboration. The promotion of collaborative interaction appeared as a powerful means of facilitating learning in physically active academic lessons at school and at home for less active pupils.