Integrating Physical Activity into the Classroom

1. Integrating Physical Activity into the Classroom Jocelyn Spurlock

2. Children are not getting their required 60 minutes a day of exercise. • This is because recess and physical education are being cut more and more each year for other academic purposes. • No Child Left Behind Act has caused many schools to focus mainly on preparation for Standardized Testing leaving kids desk-bound all day.

3. Movement is a means of learning • Known as Kinetic learning • Children are born with a natural urge to move but are taught to sit still and be quiet in most classrooms • I believe that Academics plus movement can enhance learning.

4. Space doesn’t always have to be an Issue! • Active Learning can occur within the confines of a small classroom area. • All you need is a carpet square or a little space around the student’s desk. • Having access to a gym or an open space is unnecessary for most movement activities.

5. Emotions and Physical Health • Too many kids suffer from anxiety and stress. • Regular physical activity can reduce depression, ADD, ADHD, and improve one’s mood. • As Elle said on Legally Blonde “ Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.”

6. Too Much TV is bad! • ABC News reported that kids are spending almost 5 hours a day on the computer, playing video games or watching TV. • Sitting in front these items for hours negatively affects the child’s behavior and ability to learn.

7. Brain Health • Movement activity increases blood circulation and the oxygen and glucose that reach the brain. • Simply standing up can clear the head and allow the students to refocus. • Of all the effects on cognition, movement proves the strongest when used as a tool for learning.

8. Physical Activity Can Improve the Child’s Social Skills • Physical Activity can be used to develop positive social skills because they are often conducted in a relaxed and informal manner • Students learn to depend upon one another during these types of Activities.

9. Physical Activity Promotes Positive Self-Image • Physical Activity enhances self-esteem and self confidence. • Physical Activity also develops the whole person and promotes sportsmanship and teamwork. • Teaches Self Discipline

10. What Teachers Can Do • Select well-designed activities that integrate other subjects. • Do not pick an activity just because it is fun. • Model the desired movement that you want the child to achieve. • Provide appropriate structure and feedback.

11. Rediscover the Joy of Teaching • Teachers who incorporate movement in their classroom can rediscover the joy of teaching because physical activity allows them to relax and just have fun with their students. • So it’s time to get active and to put movement back into the classroom!!

12. Works Cited • Academotion-100 Action Packed Activities for Teachers of Young Children by Professor Blair Dean.