![]() This article explores the hypothesis that fundamental benefits of performing arts involvement make up an important contribution to learning (Jensen, 2000). Science says that theatrical involvement during learning facilitates the maturation of the brain’s cortical systems. (Allman, 1999) Movements such as spinning and body rotation can have an effect of the formation of brain areas responsible for controlling spatial, visual and auditory functions which in turn enhance learner maturation and brain function (Jensen, 2000). I found this to be very interesting, as in my classroom I incorporate multiple brain systems throughout my lessons. One that came to mind is an exercise to remember what horizontal and vertical mean. We have a song that goes along with movement of using our arms to show vertical and horizontal. Anytime I need to get their attention, I can do the movement and immediately they lip-sync the words as they do the movement. Activating one part of the brain can activate another part of our brain, which helps with cognition. This article also talks about how movement increased the standardized testing scores of the National Reading Exams. The graph below illustrates that success. I found it interesting that Jensen mentions pantomiming and how it is a great tool for teaching social skills. It allows for the development of nonverbal skills, combining thoughts and acting out something when prompted. This article also supports motivation and brain neurotransmitters. Students that show helplessness in a classroom often suffer from a chronic depletion of the chemicals-acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are the fuel for thinking, planning, feeling good and taking action (Jensen, 2000). These specific students would definitely benefit from movement incorporated into their lessons. Therapy can also aide in this disability, but Jensen’s research states that, “re-wiring the brain is more effective in feeling successful and rebalancing the brain through active movement.” When it comes to cognition, Jensen mentions a study in which students had to remember all 50 states and they did that by running around the room to each state that was placed on the floor. Did they remember where they were? Yes. In my classroom we incorporate spelling with sounds of a drum. Students use the parts of the brain that stimulates body movement and in turn, the correct spelling. We use clapping and catchy songs to aide in that cognition. The difference in telling students that we use a “ck” after a short vowel and coming up with a song and snapping fingers to trigger those important brain systems in powerful! The orbitofrontal Cortex is the part of the brain that aides in cognition, sensation and emotion (Jenson, 2000). Emotions play a huge role in overall intelligence. What we can control is how we regulate that system. Movement is a key factor in expressing our human emotion. The brain is a beautiful thing. Understanding its components and how to best use the brain systems to better understand our students in education can be so powerful. References: Allman, J.M. 1999. Evolving Brains. New York, NY: Scientific American Library. Jensen, E. 2000. Learning with the Body in Mind. San Diego, CA: The Brain Store, Inc. Palmer, Lyelle. 1980. Auditory discrimination through vestibule-cochlear stimulation. Academic Therapy. September. 16(1): 55-68.
2 Comments
Ashley Felt
11/6/2016 01:56:36 pm
Sarah I found your article to be informative and interesting. I loved that there were several different studies to back the theory of movement and increase academics. You mentioned that you have experience a coloration between the two. Have you observed a difference when it comes to activities involving fine motor or gross motor movements?
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Cynthia Bruton
11/8/2016 10:13:28 pm
Sarah,
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About:Welcome to my blog! If you are interested in learning how music, movement and the brain work together, check out my summaries and reviews based on peer reviewed and research based articles. I have loved reading and learning more about how music, exercise and movement help the brain learn. I hope you enjoy it too! Archives
March 2017
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