A LOOK AT THE CONNECTION OF BODY AND MIND

MORGAN BARNES

Movement Gets the Mind Motivated

How is it that something as basic as movement could impact learning?

“The answer is quite simple. Movement acts as a generator to the brain and the brain is involved in all learning. An area of the brain called the cerebellum plays an intricate role in learning. The cerebellum makes up only 10% of the brain, but accounts for up to half of the neurons in the entire brain. This fact reveals the complexity and importance of this magnificent structure.”

http://www.homeeddirectory.com/blog/using-movement-enhance-classroom-learning

Cerebellum

Coordinates the timing of both thoughts and movements

Signals to the brain where the body is in time and space.

The cerebellum also works in tandem with other areas of the brain to maintain baseline postural control.

Academics of all sortsStimulate the cerebellum = Increased

readiness

Benefits of Physical Education

546 schools in Ontario, Canada were tested for six years to see if physical education had any relation to academic grades. They were allowed 5 more hours per week (time taken

from academic subjects). This group of students had an increase in academics

Allows early development of everyday skills. (children ages 4-6)

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Why Do We Need to “move” in The Class?

Less and less physical education classes being offered.

When P.E. is not available in A.M. Classroom movement is needed to prompt the brain

Ability to sit stillKeep things fun/differentBe flexibleKnow your students To much of a routine can be bad sometimes

Add things to create a “fun” environment when students seem to need it.

Ways to Include Movement in the Classroom and stimulate the cerebellum

Letters with bodies Counting jumping jacksBalance with countingStretches (Mrs. Karen Moody, Verona

Elementary)Arm Rolls (Mrs. Bowen, Verona Elementary) Exercise balls Stress ballsUse body to measure thingsBall toss games for review of materialBrain drink

Movement

“Classroom teachers should have kids move for the same reason that P.E. teachers have the kids count.” (Teaching with the Brain in Mind Pg. 66)

“Educators have noted fewer behavioral problems when children have opportunity to move in the classroom.” (www.kellybear.com)

Work Ethic and Readiness in Morning P.E.

Less talkativeReceives directionsAttentiveness

“I think P.E. helps the students to follow directions in the classroom better. The physical release allows the students to focus on the cognitive tasks at hand.” (Mrs. Bowen, Verona Elementary)

In the Classroom after P.E.

“AM physical education days is always helpful with the classroom routine. Students are more settled on days after we have P.E.” Mrs. Moody

Better Listeners (Mrs. Bowen, Verona

Elementary)Settle in quicker (Mrs. Bowen, Verona

Elementary)

Classrooms at Work

Statistics

“The cerebellum takes up just one-tenth of the brain by volume, but it contains nearly half of all its neurons.” (The Brain in Mind Pg. 61)

Exercise improves classroom behavior and academics. (The Brain in Mind Pg. 63)

8% of elementary schools have P.E. everyday. (www.umich.edu)

20% of schools are cutting recesses (www.umich.com)

PACEPositive, Active, Clear, Energetic

Readiness learning activity Before school, after recess, and after lunch

Brain buttons http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKs578E5sP8&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL563EB53AE32C2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U44mPXEBdACross CrawlsHook Ups

Smart Moves. Why Learning is Not All in Your Head

Other Brain Gyms

The energy yawn Relaxes the face to work we work more efficiently

The Thinking Cap Hearing and memory

References

Bowen, Shawna. Personal interview. 10 Nov. 2011.

Fritz, Jeremy. "Using Movement to Enhance Classroom Learning." Web. 8 Nov. 2011. <http://www.homeeddirectory.com/blog/using-movement-enhance-classroom-learning>.

Jensen, Eric. Teaching with the Brain in Mind. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2005. Print.

Hannaford, Carla, and Candace B. Pert. Smart Moves Why Learning Is Not All in Your Head. Salt Lake City: Great River, 2005. Print.

Moody, Karen. Personal interview. 02 Nov. 2011.

Spergan, Kathy. "Physical Education in America's Public School." University of Michigan. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. <http://www.Umich.edu>.

www.Pesoftware.comwww.kellybear.com