How Kinesthetic Learning Improves Student Understanding

Presented by Craig Higgins

Warm UpQuick and easy way to get the blood flowing

and the brain working!Name of Activity: Space JamGrade Level: K-3Formation: Standing at desksEquipment: none

SPARK Case StudyTHE REVOLUTIONARY NEW SCIENCE OF EXERCISE AND THE BRAIN

by John J. Ratey, MD

Naperville School District 203Zero Hour PE – requires 45 minutes of

physical activity before school begins.Competing against themselves

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)38 countries – over 230,000 students 99% of students took testScored 1st in ScienceScored 6th in Math

Exercise:Improves LearningDecreases:

StressAnxietyDepressionAttention DeficitAddictionHormonal Changes

Compensates the Aging Process

Brain FunctionsPlasticity – The more you use your brain the

stronger and more flexible it becomes.Neuron – Transmit information throughout the

body.Synapse – The connection between neurons.

Caused by a chemical reactionNeurotransmitters – Carries signals between

neurons and other cells in your body.Serotonin - ProzacNorepinphrine Dopamine - Ritalin

Making Connections

Priming the BrainThree ways exercise optimizes the brain function.

Ready to learn – improves attention and motivation.Creates a micro environment by releasing

neurotransmitters.Promotes new brain cells

Hippocampus – memory stationNeurogenesis – (Birth of neurons) is the process by

which neurons are generated.The brain is created for movement.Inactivity kills the brain: “Don’t use it, you lose it.”

Looking at the NumbersAccording to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services

Variables in Classroom Activities

Total # of studies

Positive None Negative

Cognitive Skills and Attitudes 11 2 9 0Attention 2 1 1 0Spatial skills 4 1 3 0Memory 1 0 1 0Verbal 1 0 1 0Motor Ability 2 0 2 0Mood 1 0 1 0Academic Behavior 1 1 0 0Classroom Behavior 1 1 0 0Academic Achievement 8 5 3 0Achievement Test Scores 8 5 3 0Total 20 8 12 0

Three Dimensions of the BrainFocus Dimension

Attention Intelligence Cerebellum Brain Stem

Centering DimensionEmotional Intelligence

Thalamus Hypothalamus Pituitary Gland

Laterality DimensionInformational

Intelligence Cerebral Cortex

Attention IntelligenceFirst to developSeeing, participating, anticipating,

comprehendingControls breathing and heart rateVisual skillsControls access to higher reasoning Receives all information from senses

Centering DimensionSecond to developFeeling, stabilizing, organizingHelps convert short term memory to long

termGenerates pleasure and anxiety responsesReleases hormonesFight or FlightSense of smell

Informational IntelligenceThird to develop, not fully developed until the

age of 8Thinking, processing, communicatingInterprets all sensesAllows us to form complex memory, thought,

and reasonLanguageExpressionLogics

Cross-Lateral MovementCrossing over – using both sides of your brain

Improving academics Math – left side of the brain Spelling/Reading – both sides of your brain

Up/Down – CENTERINGEmotionsHormones

Side/Side – LATERALITYAcademics – crossing your mid-line

Front/Back – FOCUSMemoryConcentration

Brain Gym ActivityLazy 8

Let Us Put Our Brains TogetherAt your table discuss strategies and activities

you use in your classroom to promote Kinesthetic learning.

Discuss how exercise has improved your overall wellbeing.

QuestionsRemember I am not a Neuroscientist.

HomeworkIdentify three different resources that use

brain based activities.Using the same resources PRINT ten

activities or lessons you could use in your classroom.