movement in the classroom 2010
TRANSCRIPT
Lets Move, Lets Learn
Maria Perez MS,OTR/L
“Children can learn almost anything if they are dancing, tasting, touching, hearing, seeing and feeling information”
Brain QuizTrue or False? Rote memorization is brain-antagonistic. The use of videos and lectures are anti-brain-based. Environments determine 40% of learner success. Most learners use only 5-10% of their brain. Emotion and intelligence are separate brain functions. The adult brain cannot grow brand new cells. Someone who can get the correct answer quickly is an
intelligent learner. Teaching more content per hour, per day, per week, per
year is best. Increased synapses formed in the brain lead to increased
intelligence. Teachers should start class with new content within the
first 5 minutes.
Overview Brain/Body
Connection Research Rational Brain/Body
Connection Factors that Inhibit
Learning Examples Brain Gym
Brain/Body Connection
From birth to the age of 10 is when there is the most dendrite growth
Neocortex of the brain (gray matter has unlimited ability to form new dendrites) and to increase myelination
Brain/Body Connection Corpus callosum
acts as a superhighway allowing quick access to both sides of the brain
the more that both hemispheres are activated by use, the more myelinated dendrite connections are formed and extend across the corpus callosum
the more myelination, the faster the processing between both hemispheres and the rest of the brain
Body/Brain ConnectionCerebellum is the first sensory system to mature contains over half of all the brains neurons feeds information to the cortex it is the last place information is processed before
it is sent to the cortex more neurons leave the cerebellum and
communicate to other parts of the brain contains pathways to parts of the brain for
memory, attention and spatial perceptionBasal ganglion connects fine motor and gross motor movement,
it is a major gateway to higher cortical reasoning
Body/Brain Connection
Exercise Strengthens the basal ganglia, cerebellum and
corpus callosum connections Fuels the brain with oxygen Feeds the brain neurotrophins (high nutrient food)
which enhances growth and connections between neurons
Increase triggers of the release of BDNF which enables one neuron to communicate with another
Any movement (talking, writing, chewing, knitting) anchors your thinking
Energize
“Imagination is more important than knowledge for while knowledge points to all there is , imagination points to all there will be”
Einstein
Research 80 studies suggest a strong link
between the cerebellum and memory, language attention and decision making.
Jenson,2000 movement experiences (implicit) utilize procedural pathways and it is these pathways that produce the strongest learning
Hannaford,1995 (sensory motor integration is fundamental to school readiness)
Hillman,2009 (physical activity may strengthen children's ability to pay attention and increase reading comprehension)
Winter et al, 2007 (regular exercise breaks during the school day can be a means of raising academic standards)
Rational Brain/ Body Connection
Movement increases blood flow to the brain Releases important hormonal neurotransmitters Creates same brain activity used to develop reading
and math Decrease excess spillage of cortisol into the
bloodstream created due to stress Facilitates the flow of newly learned information to
the proper storage areas in the brain Eases information retrieval and output Movement (implicit learning-hands on learning)
increases memory pathways
Rational Brain/Body Connection
Same parts of the brain that processes movement processes learning
There is no single movement center in the brain Movement patterns allow children to access areas of
the brain where information has been stored Facilitates the flow of information to frontal lobe Movement coupled with teaching allows children to
interpret, store and recall information Better able to express oneself through output of
ideas, creativity and problem solving
Factors that Inhibit Learning
Stress-emotional state of the student Perceived threats Poor Body integration Information has been blocked from going
from the back of the brain to the front Child cannot retrieve information learned
Energize Examples
“In order to learn and remember something, there must be a sensory input, a personal emotional connection and movement.”
Brain Gym Pace
Water Brain buttons Cross crawl Hook Ups
Lazy Eights Thinking cap Elephant
Brain buttons One hand over navel- action that alerts
brain to wake up for sensory input Other hand rubs first and second ribs a
the collar bone- stimulates blood flow through carotid arteries and brings extra water and oxygenated blood to the brain
Cross crawl Touch one elbow or hand to the
opposite knee Move slowly- activates the frontal lobe Involves moment that crosses the
midline allowing full use of both hemispheres simultaneously
Hook Ups
Sitting cross legs Arms together Tongue on roof of mouth
Lazy Eights Make sure intersection of the symbol is
positioned at the midline of the child’s body
Begin at the intersection and move
counter clock wise Cross the midline Now move clockwise
Thinking cap Gently unroll your ears edges a few
times from top to bottom
Elephant Place left ear onto left shoulder Keep left arm outstretched Bend knees and more with the flow
while completing lazy eights slowly Repeat 5-7 times Switch to the right side Repeat 5-7 times
Questions