The Use of Web-Based Dance Activity Breaks in Public Elementary School Classrooms: A Feasibility Study

• In Event: 28.091 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Two - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 28.091-7 - Dance and Fine Arts Throughout the Years

Abstract

This paper investigated the feasibility of a web-based dance activity intervention and its impact on assessment scores and behavior in elementary classrooms. A mixed methods community-based participatory research design was utilized to assess growth in math and ELA benchmark scores alongside surveys to evaluate program acceptability through teacher/student perception. Four, 3rd-5th grade classrooms participated with matched control groups for comparison. An interaction effect was demonstrated in both 3rd grade ELA and 3rd grade math scores (p < 0.05) and teacher/student perceptions of the program were positive overall. Notably, 100% of teachers reported improvements in student mood following the intervention. The use of dance activity breaks in an elementary classroom appears to feasible and further research is warranted.

Authors

• Sarah DiPasquale, Skidmore College

• Brian DiPasquale, Gloversville Enlarged School District

• Hope G. Casto, Skidmore College

• Hannah Weighart

• Mary Disanto-Rose, Skidmore College