Project update: Transform-Us!

Currently available to all Victorian Primary schools and teachers, Transform-Us! uses innovative strategies within the classroom, school and home settings to get students moving more and sitting less.

Developed by an international team of researchers led by Professor Jo Salmon at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Transform-Us! is a simple and easy to implement program designed to improve children’s classroom behaviours, academic outcomes, physical activity and overall health by incorporating movement into everyday class lessons so that the delivery of the lesson changes, not the content.

Transform-Us! for teachers at a glance:

  • A FREE evidence-based program with numerous teaching resources aligned with the Victorian curriculum

  • Teach your usual curriculum, but in a more active and engaging way – no extra burden on classroom teachers

  • Provide a low-cost active classroom and playground environment that promotes children’s physical activity

  • Just 20-30 minutes of online training which counts towards the annual PD that all teachers need for maintaining registration

The data so far...

Since launching in September 2018, about 60 schools and over 225 teachers have signed up to Transform-Us! Here’s what teachers and students have said about Transform-Us! to date:

“They were quick and easy to organise”- Transform-Us! Teacher
“It was easier to listen to my teacher, because we get refreshed and switched on.” - Transform-Us! Student
“The kids were more willing to focus once they had an active break”- Transform-Us! Teacher

Transform-Us! needs your help.

Transform-Us! is still looking for 5 schools to sign up for the research trial associated with the state wide roll out of the program. The research trial involves:

  • Teachers and Principals completing a 30-min survey on Transform-Us! once a year for 3 years

  • Grade 3 and 4 students with parental consent completing a brief survey, wearing an activity monitor for 1 week and having their height and weight measured once a year for 3 years. All assessments are conducted by experienced research staff with Working with Children Checks, so there is no need for teachers to supervise the assessments.

If you are interested in taking part in Transform-Us! please contact Project Manager, Jacqui Della Gatta on (03) 9244 3033 or email [email protected]. If you are not able to participate in the research, that’s ok! You can still sign up by visiting the Transform Us! website.