Thursday, July 30, 2009

Larger Movement for Learning


While incorporating small, quiet opportunities for movement may be appropriate for certain times in your school day, there are also other times when larger movement is needed. I would define "larger movement" as incorporating either the whole body or larger muscle groups.

One of the favorite tips that a good friend shared with me was adapting the idea of hopscotch to rehearsing facts. Take a collection of index cards and label them according to the facts you wish to review - examples would be letters, numbers, parts of speech, etc. The cards needed for the review are then scattered on the floor and as you ask a question, your child will jump on the card and say the answer. For example, if you are reviewing addition facts, you might scatter an assortment of numbered cards on the floor (space them according to reasonable jumping distances). When you call out "3 + 5" your child will answer (loudly, if you wish) "8" and jump on the index card labeled "8".

Another approach would be to play toss with a bean bag as you and your child recite linear information - meaning a series that has a beginning and an end, such as the books of the Bible, skip counting to 50, or even a memorized passage. I recommend using a bean bag so that if someone misses a catch you aren't as likely to need to chase it far as you might a ball.

Have you ever considered playing "Mother May I" as a part of reviewing details? This can be done with a group of children, even when they aren't on the same level. As "Mother" you can control what questions you ask each child (varying the difficulty as appropriate) and how they would advance when the answer is correct. Try it ... you might discover a whole new way to review everyone's History, Language Arts, Science or Math facts in one activity ... and have fun in the process!

Who says learning can only be accomplished sitting at a table or desk?

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