Frequently Asked Questions

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General FAQs

How can schools use ABL products and programs?

Action Based Learning (ABL) programs and products are designed for schools, educators, and organizations that want to improve student engagement and achievement through movement-based learning strategies. ABL is used in early childhood centers, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and OT/PT areas. Many school districts and organizations leverage ABL resources for physical education, occupational therapy, after-school programs, and intervention services. Whether you are a classroom teacher, school administrator, or therapist, ABL provides tools that can be adapted to fit your learning environment and student needs.

What types of products and resources does ABL offer?

Action Based Learning offers a wide range of research-backed products, trainings, and curriculum resources that bring brain-based learning to life in schools:

ABL Spaces & Classroom Furniture  movement labs and kinesthetic classrooms designed to integrate physical activity into daily instruction.

ABL Equipment– classroom-friendly tools such as balance boards, pedal desks, stations, and brain-based movement tools.

Classroom Activities & Teaching Tools– age-specific guides that align with state and national academic standards.

Professional Development– in-person & virtual training sessions, coaching & mentorships for teachers and administrators. Learn how to implement purposeful movement into the learning process to improve student engagement, academic achievement, and behavior.

Youth Fitness Equipment– commercial fitness equipment built rock solid and safe for kids

Online Resources- digital lesson libraries, research materials, and implementation guides.

How can our school get
started with ABL?

Getting started with Action Based Learning is simple. Schools typically begin by:

Scheduling a Consultation: Our team helps you identify the best ABL programs, labs, or classroom resources for your school, and the grants and funding that can help make it happen.

Professional Training– Teachers and staff receive training to successfully implement movement-based learning strategies.

Implementation– Schools can start with one classroom, grade level, or a full ABL Lab and expand as needed.

Whether you want to start small with a few ABL stations or launch a full Action Based Learning Lab, our team provides turnkey support, training, and resources to ensure successful implementation.

Is there scientific research supporting ABL?

Yes, lots of it!

Action Based Learning is grounded in decades of scientific research in neuroscience, child development, and education. Studies consistently show that movement improves brain function, memory, focus, and classroom behavior.

Research from leading organizations demonstrates that students who engage in purposeful physical activity perform better academically, show higher levels of engagement, and develop stronger social-emotional skills.

ABL continues to collaborate with schools and universities nationwide to evaluate and expand the research base, ensuring our programs remain effective and aligned with the latest brain-based learning discoveries.

View Research Here

Can Action Based Learning be used outside of an ABL Lab?

Yes. While many schools invest in a dedicated ABL Lab, the principles of Action Based Learning can be applied anywhere—from regular classrooms and PE to after-school programs and therapy sessions. Teachers often begin with simple brain-boosting activities and kinesthetic tools before expanding into a full lab setup.

How does ABL align with state and national education standards?

ABL activities are designed to complement core curriculum goals in reading, math, science, and language arts. Many schools use ABL lesson plans that align directly with state standards, ESSA requirements, and Title I/IV initiatives, ensuring movement supports—not interrupts—academic instruction.

Can ABL support students with ADHD, autism, or other learning differences?

Absolutely. Research shows that movement benefits students with attention, sensory, and processing challenges. ABL strategies improve focus, self-regulation, and confidence, making them effective tools in special education and inclusion classrooms. Many occupational and physical therapists integrate ABL equipment into therapy sessions for added support.

How much time does ABL take during the school day?

Most ABL strategies can be implemented in just 2–5 minutes as brain breaks or transitions. Schools with labs often schedule 15–30 minute rotations, but even short bursts of movement have measurable effects on student focus, behavior, and academic performance.

What kind of professional development does ABL offer for teachers?

ABL provides workshops, certifications, and onsite training to help teachers confidently integrate movement-based learning. Professional development covers topics like classroom management with movement, lesson integration, and assessing student progress. Many schools report that ABL training also improves teacher satisfaction and classroom energy.

Does Action Based Learning require expensive equipment?

No. While ABL offers specialized tools like pedal desks and balance stations, many activities can be done with minimal or no equipment. Teachers often begin with low-cost resources and structured movement activities, then expand as funding allows. ABL also supports schools in identifying grant opportunities to cover costs.

View Free Resources

How does ABL impact student health and wellness?

Beyond academics, ABL promotes physical fitness, coordination, and lifelong healthy habits. By reducing sedentary behavior, ABL helps schools address childhood obesity, stress, and anxiety, while giving students more opportunities to be active throughout the day.

What data exists to prove the effectiveness of ABL?

Schools that implement ABL consistently report improvements in standardized test scores, behavior referrals, and classroom engagement. Independent research confirms that movement-based learning increases oxygen to the brain, strengthens memory pathways, and improves executive function. Many districts track both academic outcomes and physical fitness benchmarks to measure ABL’s success.

Can parents use Action Based Learning strategies at home?

Yes. Families can bring the principles of ABL home through short movement breaks, balance and coordination games, and kinesthetic learning activities. Many ABL tools and strategies are adaptable for homework time, homeschooling, and family wellness routines.

Funding & Grants FAQs

How do schools typically fund ABL programs?

Schools often use federal and state grants, Title I and Title IV funds, ESSER allocations, and wellness initiatives to fund ABL programs. Many also leverage community partnerships, PTO/PTA fundraising, and local health grants. ABL provides grant-writing support and sample applications to make the process easier.environment and student needs.

What types of grants are available for Action Based Learning programs?

Schools and organizations can access a variety offederal, state, and private grantsto fund Action Based Learning programs. Common sources includeeducation grants, health and wellness grants, physical activity grants, and special education funding. Many districts also leverage ESSER, Title I, Title IV, IDEA, and state-level wellness initiatives to cover the cost of ABL labs, equipment, and training.

Who can apply for ABL-related grants?

Schools, school districts, early childhood centers, and nonprofit organizations are the most common applicants for ABL-related funding.

In many cases, teachers, administrators, PE coordinators, occupational/physical therapists, and grant writers can apply on behalf of their schools or programs. Some grants are also open to community organizations focused on youth health, wellness, and education.

Can ABL help me find and apply for grants?

Yes. Action Based Learning providesgrant assistance resourcesto help schools and organizations identify funding opportunities.

Our team offers:

  • Guidance on the best funding sources for your needs
  • Grant templates and sample language to include in your application
  • Research-based evidence on the academic and health benefits of ABL
  • Support letters and program documentation to strengthen your proposal

This makes it easier for schools tosuccessfully apply for and secure funding.

What costs can grants cover for ABL programs?

Grants can be used to fund a wide range of Action Based Learning resources, including:

  • ABL Labs and Classroom Equipment: pedal desks, balance boards, brain-based stations, etc.
  • Curriculum and lesson plans aligned with state and national standards
  • Professional development and training workshops for teachers and staff
  • Implementation support and resources to ensure program success

Where can we find grant opportunities for Action Based Learning?

Grant opportunities can be found through:

  • Scheduling a consultation with our team. This is the best way to get started; you can leverage our expertise, as we’ve worked with hundreds of schools and organizations to help them leverage and acquire funding. We’d be happy to support you in this journey as well.
  • Federal programs like ESSA, Title I, Title IV, and IDEA, etc.
  • Professional development and training workshops for teachers and staff
  • State education departments and health initiatives
  • Private foundations and nonprofits that fund youth health, physical activity, and education programs
  • Our Grant Resource Page, which highlights current opportunities and tips for applying

ABL Spaces FAQs

Who are ABL Spaces designed for?

ABL Spaces are designed for schools, early childhood centers, therapy programs, fitness centers, and after-school initiatives that want to bring movement and learning together.

They can be customized for pre-K through high school, supporting general education, special education, intervention, and fitness programs.

What happens inside an Action Based Learning Space?

An ABL Space is a dynamic learning environment where students rotate through stations that integrate movement, academics, and brain-based activities.

Each station is built around one of the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness, targeting skills like balance, coordination, rhythm, problem-solving, and cross-lateral movement—all while reinforcing core academics.

How is an ABL space different from a traditional classroom or gym?

Unlike gyms or standard classrooms, ABL Spaces are purposefully designed with brain-based movement tools.

Instead of focusing only on fitness or academics, they bridge both: students move while practicing math facts, literacy skills, or critical thinking. The result is a space that promotes whole-child development—academic, physical, and social-emotional.

What equipment is included in an ABL Space?

Each Space is customized, but may include:

  • Pedal desks and active seating to keep students engaged
  • Balance boards and stability equipment for focus and coordination
  • Kinesthetic learning stations aligned with math, reading, and writing skills
  • Gross motor stations like agility ladders, floor markers, and cardio-based tools

ABL provides a turnkey setup, including curriculum guides and teacher training.

How much space is needed for an ABL Space?

ABL Spaces are scalable to fit your school’s needs.

Some schools dedicate a full classroom, gym, or media center, while others create smaller “mini-spacesin existing rooms.

Our team works with you to design a layout that maximizes impact in the space you already have.

Can ABL Spaces support students with learning or developmental gaps?

Yes!

ABL Spaces are built on the 12 Foundations of Learning Readiness, which target critical developmental skills often linked to academic struggles. By filling in gaps like cross-lateral movement, balance, or rhythm, ABL Spaces help students overcome barriers that may affect reading, writing, and classroom behavior.

What training is provided for staff operating these spaces?

Every ABL Space includes professional development for teachers and facilitators.

Training covers how to run the stations, adapt activities for different grade levels, and measure outcomes. Staff leave with the confidence to use the space daily as a tool for student success.

What outcomes can schools expect from implementing an ABL Space?

Schools using ABL Spaces consistently report:

  • Improved academic performance (higher test scores and comprehension)
  • Better behavior and classroom engagement
  • Increased physical fitness and coordination
  • Stronger confidence and social-emotional skills in students

How can schools fund an ABL Space?

Many schools fund ABL Spaces through federal and state education grants, Title I/IV funding, ESSER funds, special education allocations, or local partnerships.

Check out our grants page or reach out to us for more information!

ABL Labs FAQs

What is an Active Learning Lab?

ABL Labs are grounded in brain science.

Movement supports brain growth, prepares students for learning, and helps close developmental gaps. Each lab is built on 12 foundational skills and their developmental progressions; the lab helps children reach their full learning potential.

ABL Labs focus on:

Active Play

Structured, movement-based activities that build coordination, cross-lateral development, and engagement.

Sensory & Tactile

Supports self-regulation and closes sensory-related learning gaps.

Rehab / OT / PT

Supports occupational and physical therapy goals through activities that improve balance, coordination, strength, and motor planning.

Youth Fitness

Promotes cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance through age-appropriate movement.

Learning Readiness

Targets foundational skills required for academic success, including attention, memory, and processing.

Child Development

Connects physical movement with cognitive and behavioral growth.

What comes with my lab?

Each lab package can be customized based on age, grade level, and specific needs to serve the children at your facility.

However, all labs generally consist of the following equipment:​

  • Strength / Cardio Fitness Equipment With  Flip Charts for Academic Content
  • Balance, Obstacle, & Tactile Equipment
  • Active Academic Mats
  • Active Learning Wall Mounts
  • Academic Support Materials

Each Lab comes with a toolkit to prepare trainers and students for their time spent in the lab! 

How much space do I need for my lab?

Labs do not have to be implemented in a designated room. For limited space, schools use the gym, cafeteria, the stage, classroom trailors, or a portable lab cart that can be shared between pods.

Who facilitates the ABL lab?

Although we recommend all teachers be trained in utilizing the lab, you will need to nominate at least 1 champion educator to become certified as the lab facilitator. This could be a classroom teacher, PE teacher, OT/PT, or anyone passionate about the ABL mission. As the lab gains momentum and success, many districts move facilitators full time.

How often should we visit the lab?

The more the better! Ideally 3-5 times a week for maximum benefits.

What ages can use the lab?

Ages 3 to 18 years old. Custom activities and equipment per grade level!

Is this a curriculum?

No!

The lab is designed to anchor learning and reinforce academic content already being taught in the classroom.

What is the typical lab schedule?

ABL labs are shared spaces that are available to all students throughout the year, and for teachers to sign their class up for throughout the week for ~30 min sessions.

How do I learn more about the data and science supporting ABL?

Ask us about taking your first course for FREE on ABL Academy!

We recommend completing ABL-101 Introduction to Action Based Learning on www.ablacademy.com.

You can also visit our Resource Center for data and research articles to read!

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