A Tale of 2 Teachers: A Preschool Physical Activity Intervention Case Study. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Howie, Erin K.; Brewer, Alisa E.; Dowda, Marsha; McIver, Kerry L.; Saunders, Ruth P.; Pate, Russell R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of school health. Volume 86:Number 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: children -- physical activity -- intervention -- preschool; School health services -- Periodicals; School children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; 371.71
• DOI: 10.1111/josh.12352
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4391

Abstract

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Preschool settings vary greatly, and research has shown that interventions are more successful when they can be adapted to individual settings. This is a descriptive case study of how 2 teachers successfully adapted and implemented a preschool physical activity intervention. METHODS: The Study of Health and Activity in Preschool Environments (SHAPES) was a 3‐year physical activity intervention. A detailed case study of 2 high‐implementing teachers was conducted. Multiple data sources included accelerometry, direct observation, teacher surveys, and intervention staff field notes. RESULTS: Teacher A focused on integrating physical activity into a wide range of activities, including parent and community events. Teacher B focused on high‐intensity, structured activities. Both teachers supported the intervention, worked closely with intervention staff, and operated their classroom as an autonomous unit with support from their directors. Teacher A provided an average of 31.5, 78.0, and 67.5 min of physical activity opportunity per day of observation during years 1, 2, and 3. Teacher B provided an average of 2.7, 33.5, and 73.3 minutes of physical activity opportunity per day of observation. CONCLUSION: Successful implementation of physical activity interventions may look different in different contexts; thus, interventions should allow for flexible implementation.