Date: November 20, 2016

Study Title: A Study of the Academic Benefits of the Frequent Use of

GoNoodle to Provide Students with Brain Breaks
Dear Student and Parent,
My name is Shelley Miller. I am a candidate for a Masters in Literacy in the
School of Education and Graduate Studies at Converse College in
Spartanburg, SC. I am conducting a research study as part of the
requirements of my degree, and I would like to invite you to participate.
I am studying the academic benefits, specifically in Math and ELA, of using
GoNoodle in the classroom. GoNoodle is a web-based program that provides
students with short brain breaks. Brain breaks are designed to allow students
short breaks (1-10 minutes) from academic learning to engage in physical
activity. The physical activity includes dancing, aerobic exercise,
yoga/stretching, and a variety of other movement activities. These brain
breaks may be curriculum-based activities, like Mega Math Marathon in which
students practice math while jogging in place, or non-curriculum based
activities, like Kidz Bop guided dances and singalongs. These brain breaks
help to break up the monotony of sitting in a desk for extended lengths of
time.
In particular, students will be asked to participate in the frequent (one activity
every 30 minutes and during transitions between subjects) GoNoodle
activities. Students will also be asked to anonymously reply to an electronic
survey in which they give feedback about which GoNoodles are the most
engaging and if their attention span improves during this study.
Although you most likely will not benefit directly from participating in this
study, we hope that teachers and administrators in school communities will
benefit by gaining an understanding of how often students need to be
allowed brain breaks during the day, which will ultimately benefit students.
Participation is confidential. Study information will be kept in a secure
location. The results of the study may be published or presented at
professional meetings, but the identity of participants will not be revealed in
any way.

There is one exception to the promise of confidentiality. Although this is

highly unlikely, in the event that information is disclosed that indicates the
existence of child abuse or the potential for harm to self or others, I am
required by South Carolina law to disclose this to authorities.
Taking part in the study is your decision. You do not have to participate in this
study if you do not want to do so. You may also quit being in the study at any
time or decide not to answer any question you are not comfortable
answering. Participation, non-participation, or withdrawal will not affect your
grades in any way. If you begin the study and later decide to withdraw, you
will not be penalized in any way.
We will be happy to answer any questions you have about the study. You may
contact me at 803-821-1675 or semiller@lexington1.net. You may also
contact my faculty advisor, Dr. Kelly Harrison-Maguire, at 864-316-9850 or
kelly.harrison-maguire@converse.edu if you have study related questions or
problems.
Thank you for your consideration. If you would like to participate, please
complete the attached form and return it to me. I will call you within the next
week to see whether you are willing to participate.
With kind regards,

Mrs. Shelley Miller

Fourth Grade Teacher
Gilbert Elementary School
314 Main Street, Gilbert, SC 29054
803-821-1675
semiller@lexington1.net

Letter of Consent
Study Title: A Study of the Academic Benefits of the Frequent Use of
GoNoodle to Provide Students with Brain Breaks
Study Description:
Researcher: Shelley Miller
Supervisor:

Dr. Kelly Harrison Maguire

Converse College
580 East Main Street
Spartanburg, SC 29302
864-316-9850

This study is designed and will be conducted as a requirement for EDU

619A Theories and Designs in Action Research, and EDU 619B, Action
Research Implementation, at Converse College.
I have read the information contained in the attached letter and in the description
above about the study, which describes what my child will be asked to do if I agree
to his/her participation in this study. I understand that the decision is up to me and
that I do not have to agree to allow my child to participate. I understand that there
will be no consequences if I do not wish for my child to participate. I understand that
even if I do agree, I can stop participation at any time I choose, and there will be no
consequences for my decision.
Yes I agree to allow my child to participate in the study.
-OR No I do not want my child to participate in the study.

_________________________________________

_________________

Parents Signature

Date

_______________________________________

Students Name

Letter of Assent
Study Title: A Study of the Academic Benefits of the Frequent Use of
GoNoodle to Provide Students with Brain Breaks
Study Description:
Researcher: Shelley Miller
Supervisor: Kelly Harrison-Maguire, PhD, Assistant Professor, Converse
College, Spartanburg SC
This study is designed and will be conducted as a requirement for EDU
619A Theories and Designs in Action Research and EDU 619B, Action
Research Implementation at Converse College.

I have read the information contained in the attached letter and in the description
above about the study, which describes what I will be asked to do if I decide to
participate. My parent/guardian has given me permission to participate. I have been
told that the decision is up to me and that I do not have to participate, even if my
parent/guardian says that it is okay. I have been told that I can stop participating at
any time I choose, and no one will be mad at me.
Yes I want to participate in the study.
-OR No I do not want to participate in the study.

_________________________________________
Students Signature
________
Age

_________________
Date