Get Up and Get Moving
Strengthen Learning Through Movement
Exercise your way to a better brain
Your movement and learning are processed in the same part of the brain! Children who take part in activities that involve the inner ear motion like jumping, rolling and swinging are more likely to have significant gains in attention and reading.
Play in the classroom is just as beneficial to learning
We can't spend hours outside everyday for recess or have P.E everyday, but there are still many things you can do inside.
Take a look at these ideas!
Constructive Play
Allow students to play with blocks or build a model. This integrates perfectly with a science/engineering kit.
Exploratory Play
Create a hunt in your classroom or outside that is related to a skill they are learning. They could hunt for fractions in the room with items purposely put out or they could hunt for living things in their environment. Let them complete a paper for competition.
Stand and Stretch
Simon says is a perfect game that can be done anywhere, anytime. This gets all the kids up and moving. They love the challenge of out smarting "Simon"!
More Ideas
* Allow students to exercise with dance routines like Just Dance.
* Students can play solitary games like putting together a puzzle.
* If the weather is nice, let them observe outside or dig around.
* Practice a new skill through functional play. Allow student to play scoot or bingo in the room while moving around.
* A simple walk will also help. Allow students to walk around while pair sharing or talking with their group.
* Have a relay race for team building.
* Sports like soccer an football are great for P.E time.
A quick internet search will also provide great ideas for getting kids moving.
Reference
Jensen, E. (2005). Movement and Learning. In Teaching with the brain in mind (2nd ed., pp. 60-63). Alexandria, Virginia: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.