Move and Learn

Do you remember your days in the classroom? Mine were so long ago they are pretty fuzzy, but I do recall hearing the teacher reminding students to sit still, encouraging them to focus rather than fidget. Did you hear that when you were in school? Perhaps you were one of the students they were speaking to, and you were struggling against your natural inclination to move while you learned.

Research is now demonstrating that children benefit from having the freedom to move while they are learning. According to a recent report on ABC News, classrooms have begun incorporating more exercise and beneficial movement, and the student's scores are improving significantly. Some classrooms have stability balls for the students to sit or bounce on rather than the traditional desk chair. Other classrooms are set up for students to stand while they work, and take movement breaks regularly. A high school near Chicago has shifted each student's schedule to start the day with physical education, as well as providing balls and bikes in the classrooms so that the students are constantly on the move. The result ... reading scores have doubled, and math scores have risen by a factor of 20. Rather than cutting the PE program, this high school's administration is looking for additional ways to get the kids moving.

Do you have children who struggle with math or reading? I would suggest that you get them moving. One of my earlier posts spoke about the kinesthetic learning modality, but I don't think that these schools are finding that the movement is benefitting only those students who are wired kinesthetically. I think there is benefit for everyone in movement. Exercise, such as square dancing, which incorporates aerobic activity to increase the heart rate and intricate movement to stimulate thinking, can jump start your child's brain (or your own) for better problem solving.

So break away from the desk, table, or couch on a regular basis during your school hours, and get moving! Explore new ways to challenge your children and yourself. You'll provide an outlet for their wiggle and, no doubt, discover that thinking is not as challenging as it was in your stationary past.

Kelly