Bust a move
“Where are my movers and shakers?” I say, as my students bounce balls to Lady Gaga jamming in the background. At the beginning of each science class, my students enter our lab and begin bouncing balls to music. This interactive engagement was first introduced to me by none other than, Dr. Kieran O’Mahony, co-founder of Neural Education, during a Neural Ed summer Institute. I had no idea how this would transform my teaching and my students’ learning. Physical movement is the catalyst for attention, focus, and an overall feeling of well-being.
It's all in the Research
In a time where electronic devices are taking precedence over just about every part of our daily lives, our children are screaming for a cognitive reset. Gone are the days when children were expected to sit still for hours, obediently listening to their teachers and giving all their attention to learning. Our brains and bodies are naturally designed to move, and active engagement is essential for optimal growth and development. Movement enhances focus, creativity, and memory, making it an integral part of the learning process. I cannot even sit still for an extended period of time. So, why would I expect this from children whose brains are continually developing? This is where physical movement takes the stage. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and enhances the growth of neural connections. Research shows that exercise helps children concentrate better and improves memory. In his article, “The Unrealized Value of Human Motion - 'Moving Back to Movement!'," Dr. Graham Dodd states by incorporating movement into learning, we can leverage the brain’s plasticity to optimize cognitive functions and improve learning outcomes. This causes an increase in neuron connectivity, to support learning and memory. Dr. Marcus Conyers, founder of BrainSMART, Inc., along with Donna Wilson, author, and former educator, have worked with thousands of educators and children on the importance of brain-based learning. My master’s program through Nova Southeastern University was written based on their research. Our very first class focused on the value of nutrition and exercise and the affects it had on the brain. They found that incorporating movement in the classroom throughout the day, increased students’ ability to focus and pay attention, while decreasing challenging behaviors. I mean, what teacher does not want that?
Why Now?
If there is one thing teachers have in common more than anything else, it is the lack of time to teach the entirety of the curriculum. I hear it all the time. “There’s no time.” “How can I add one more thing?” “Where do I have time to do that?” Well, think about this! Based on an article in Education Week, recent research indicates a concerning decline in children's reading proficiency and overall academic performance. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported that a third of 8th graders and 40% of 4th graders did not meet the "basic" reading level, marking the largest average score decline in reading since 1990. There is no perfect curriculum that is going to magically bridge the gap between where our students are and where they are expected to be. So, why now? WHY NOT NOW? There is no better time than now, to be the changer of the game because honestly, what do we have to lose?
Neurotransmitter Weaving
I’m sure you’re wondering by now; how can I incorporate more movement into my learning space?
For starters, here are a few things to consider…
Where can I begin?
What am I most comfortable doing?
When do I lose the majority of my students’ attention?
Are my students struggling before/after transitions?
When do I need their attention the most?
Whether you have your students all day or have several classes throughout the day, one thing is certain, their need to move is essential in order for them to be at their absolute best for learning. Weaving movements into your day only takes 1-3 minutes. Sometimes, as little as 30 seconds but, believe me, it is worth every second. My students learn, from day one, that our ball bouncing with music is flooding their brains with neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and most importantly norepinephrine to get them in a “feel-good” state, focused and ready for learning. As I am planning, I look at my schedule and think about what they are doing before they come to me. For instance, my fifth graders have a two-hour reading block before they come to our science lab. They absolutely need to be moving to upbeat music if I expect them to work for 60 minutes. If a class is coming from recess, I take the time to have soft, meditative music as they enter, to calm their nervous system. With a soft voice, I guide them through stretching and breathing exercises. There are even times during lessons, I will stop because they need to move. Remember, Slow and steady wins the race! Start with a scheduled movement at the same time every day so your students know what to expect. I like to change it up weekly to create anticipation within them. Dopamine, yes, please! Then, as time goes by, you will have the ability to gauge when they are in need of a cognitive reset. Do not forget to let loose as well! Doing the moves with them encourages even your most skeptic student to participate. Plus, our students are more willing to follow our lead when we are modeling and mirroring the movement alongside them rather than just telling them to do it.
We owe it to our students, and ourselves, to give them a space where movement is a norm. We were not born to sit and obey. We want our students to feel safe and be their most authentic selves because in a safe environment, students are more willing to take risks in their learning. What better way to give them this freedom than to offer moments of movement to reset their nervous system, get them back on track, and have a little fun while we are at it? It is our time to redefine what our learning spaces need, and get jiggy with it!
