Implementing movement integration across the whole school: findings from the Moving to Learn Ireland programme

Movement integration (MI) has recently been highlighted as a means to contribute to children’s physical activity (PA) and academic development. This study evaluates teacher and student perceptions of participating in the Moving to Learn Ireland MI programme and reports associated student PA levels. Three classroom teachers in one multi-grade school in Ireland and their students (n = 58) participated in this study. The PA Self-Efficacy Scales, Questionnaire Assessing School PA Environment, PA Enjoyment Scales, and focus group discussions were used to evaluate students’ self-efficacy for PA, perceptions of the school environment, and enjoyment of the programme. Accelerometers were used to gather PA data pre- and post-intervention. Teachers completed lesson reflections, post-intervention questionnaires, and engaged in a post-intervention focus group interview. Results indicate that both teachers and students expressed their approval of MI as a teaching method. The school facilitated students to engage in PA. Light PA during class-time significantly increased by 13 minutes (±14.5) per day (p <.001). A significant increase was also identified for change in MVPA during class time (2.1 ± 17.2 minutes, p <.05). This study highlights the need for a whole-of-school approach to MI and the need to provide experiential professional development opportunities to teachers, to support their implementation of such programmes.