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.

  • 2019 Education Research Highlights

    Does doodling boost learning? Do attendance awards work? Do boys and girls process math the same way? Here’s a look at the big questions that researchers tackled this year.
    Youki Terada

  • Building School Community Through Physical Activity

    Physical activity provides an opportunity to build character, use teamwork, and foster a sense of belonging in schools.
    Eric Nelson

  • Breaking SEL Down Into Manageable Practices

    Adaptable and accessible ‘kernels' make teaching skills like self-management, focus, and emotional regulation easier.
    Laura Lee

  • 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 Role of Emotion Co-Regulation in Discipline

    Helping students regain their calm after misbehavior doesn’t mean there are no consequences—it ensures that the right lesson is learned.
    Lori Desautels

  • The Importance of Recess

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

  • Why Recess Should Never Be Withheld as Punishment

    Experts argue that recess is necessary for a child's social and academic development, and skipping it as punishment for misbehavior or to accommodate more seat time is a serious 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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