Each morning, students at CES, start the day with 10 minutes of morning movement. Brain based studies show that moving or exercising can improve academic achievement. Below is a picture and quote from the article, "Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on the brain and cognition." "An emerging body of multidisciplinary literature has documented the beneficial influence of physical activity engendered through aerobic exercise on selective aspects of brain function. Human and non-human animal studies have shown that aerobic exercise can improve a number of aspects of cognition and performance. Exercise might not only help to improve their physical health, but might also improve their academic performance" (Hillman, Erickson and Kramer, 2008). "Children might derive benefits in school performance from increased participation in physical activity" (Hillman, Erickson and Kramer, 2008). Our school started the "Movement Initiative" in 2015. At 8:00am everyday, grade levels are assigned a location to begin morning movement. Those locations are, outside at the track, inside the gym, hallway and classrooms. The grade level teachers are the leaders and motivate students to get moving. The purpose of this initiative is to promote exercise and movement in order to help our bodies and brains get ready for the day. Activating the brain first thing is so good for our academic endeavors. When we have movement in the classrooms, I usually project a Go Noodle video. These videos consist of kid Zumba, Kidz Bop dancing, track and field, and other fun activities. Students absolutely LOVE morning movement. In a recent survey I gave to my students, 100% of them answered they like the morning movement initiative and feel better starting the day. There are 3 things needed to learn: 1. Sensory Input 2. Emotional Connection 3. Motor Output Our brain learns in 3 ways: 1. Chemistry 2. Structure 3. Function Brain breaks are also imperative in learning. Teaching 1st grade, I have realized my students need these breaks often. We are sending them so much information, that they need that time to process and just let loose. Our brain breaks change bi-weekly, by vote of the class. They take accountability in their own brain breaks. Some are stretch breaks, some are dance breaks, some are push ups or frog jumps. Movement and brain breaks also reduce stress. These activities lead to thinking, reflective brain response. Students are much more attentive during the day when we have morning movement, and multiple brain breaks throughout the day. Educating students on mindfulness has helped them reflect on their own self and they become more accountable for their learning. Reference: Hillman, C. H., Erickson, K. I., & Kramer, A. F. (2008). Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition. Nature reviews neuroscience, 9(1), 58-65.
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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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