George Lucas Educational Foundation
Edutopia

Student Wellness

Whether through physical education, health education, or health and nutrition policy within a school, learn about ways to promote and maintain student wellness.

  • New Research Casts Doubt on the ‘Summer Slide’

    Under closer scrutiny, the idea of dramatic learning loss over the summer doesn’t seem to hold up, according to a recent study.
    Youki Terada

  • Creating a Positive Learning Environment

    When students’ mental, emotional, and physical needs are met, they’re more likely to love school—and they learn more.

  • Activating the Brain With Movement Breaks

    Research has shown that short movement breaks help students get focused, improving both skill-building and knowledge retention.

  • The Sensory Room: Helping Students With Autism Focus and Learn

    Imagine a safe space where students with autism can go to calm their bodies and then get back to the business of learning.

  • The Importance of Recess

    Recess is often sacrificed to make room for more academics. The research says that’s a big mistake.

  • Longer Recess, Stronger Child Development

    With an hour-long recess, elementary schools can help children develop through increased creative play, authentic SEL, and adequate physical regulation.
    Angela Hanscom

  • Schools Respond to the Rise of Student Vaping

    Easy to conceal in hoodies and hands, vaping takes a foothold among youth. Schools look for solutions.
    Holly Korbey

  • Brains in Pain Cannot Learn!

    Young people experiencing anxiety or depression are unable to learn. We can overcome this through physical movement, focused attention practices, and teaching them about how brains work.
    Lori Desautels

  • 12 Choices to Help You Step Back From Burnout

    A tired teacher is a powder keg waiting for a match. In my bouts with burnout, I've learned that stepping back from the brink is about choice. These 12 choices have helped me recover and be a better teacher for my students.
    Vicki Davis

  • 5 Fun Gym Games to Get Kids Moving

    Use these games to engage even the students who don’t usually like to run.
    Michael Choinacky

  • Why Teaching Kindness in Schools Is Essential to Reduce Bullying

    Phrases like "random acts of kindness" and "pay it forward" have become popular terms in modern society. It seems there are good reasons why we can't get enough of those addictive, feel-good emotions, as scientific studies prove there are many physical, emotional, and mental health benefits associated with kindness. As minds and bodies grow, it’s abundantly clear that children require a healthy dose of the warm-and-fuzzies to thrive as healthy, happy, well-rounded individuals.
    Lisa Currie

  • Sensory Room 101

    After we published a video about a special room designed to help autistic kids calm and focus themselves, you had questions. Here’s what it takes to create this kind of space.
    Betty Ray

  • Research-Tested Benefits of Breaks

    Students are easily distracted, but regular, short breaks can help them focus, increase their productivity, and reduce their stress.
    Youki Terada

  • Ring Their Bells: A New Way to Deliver Bell Work

    Because students bring a broad variety of needs and emotions, start class with bell work that engages their working memory and sets the tone for positive, productive learning.
    Lori Desautels

  • Feeding the Teacher's Brain: Nutrition Tips for Busy Educators

    By rejecting persistent nutrition myths and starting the day with a healthy meal, teachers can improve their own performance while modeling brain-friendly habits for their students.
    Donna Wilson and Marcus Conyers