Sunday, January 23, 2011
Edutopia: Learning Style
There has been huge debate over exercise and academics. After having a Professional Development day this past Friday, I can relate to students needing movement to stay focused. As an adult it is difficult to sit in a chair for hours and pay attention to the learning topic or discussion for the day. So our students need to have time built in their day to release as well. According to a survey conducted by Sara Bernard most people would agree that physical activity improves student focus. Not every student has the opportunity or desire to have physical education as part of their daily curriculum, so it is up to the teachers to incorporate physical movement into their daily routine. This may be an easy task for elementary teachers, so secondary teachers may have more of a challenge in front of them. We have four elementary schools for our district and each of them have added exercise in their morning routine for students. Does anyone have suggestions for secondary educators?
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I'm not sure that there isn't some truth to the importance of getting our students up and moving. If you really think about it, how much time do we spend sitting in a day? I know that at the end of the day, I'm exhausted....I wish I had spent the time sitting. But for our students, they spend a minimum of 6 hours a day sitting in a hard, uncomfortable desk or chair. How could anyone focus in that situation? With the 51 minutes periods that we have, I try to get my students up and moving at least twice an hour. Sometimes, I may just ask a question and tell them that they have to discuss it with someone two or three rows over. This forces them to get up, move around, and sometimes even talk to someone that they normally wouldn't talk to. I have had some pretty good success with it. Don't be afraid to get those kids up and moving. It really does make a difference!
ReplyDeleteI just heard of something the other day called Brain Gym. It is different movements/exercises a teacher can use for transitions or brain breaks that improve focus, memory, and attention. You may want to check it ouy. Other than that, once a week I usually try to get the gym reserved or go outdoors if kids handed in all their homework for the week. If it doesn't work every week, which it is sometimes hard to do with middle grades, maybe try every other week.
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