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Benefits of movement for learning! - October 2020
Benefits of movement for learning! - October 2020
Many studies have shown that movement and position changes are very important for success with learning.
Many studies have shown that movement and position changes are very important for success with learning.
Movement can include:
Walking
Using fidgets
Changing positions
Using GONoodle, dance videos, brain breaks
For students who use wheelchairs, alternate positions (standers, gait trainers, floor time) also help to:
Build posture muscles and core strength needed for trunk stability and independent movement.
Build/maintain bone density
Assist with bowel and bladder function. Gravity helps the body with eliminating waste and standing helps the GI tract work more efficiently to reduce constipation
Reduce risk of pressure sores
Ways to encourage movement and alternate positions to help with learning:
Seats That Move
Seats That Move
You can grab an exercise ball, ball chair or wiggle cushion. Any of these will allow kids to sit on a less stable surface right at their desk. You can get a cushion that leans forward for a more active learning position or one with gel inside for a different feel. You can use a ball chair filled up with air or one with slightly less air for more of a hug. Wiggle cushions and ball chairs allow kids to move while they learn without disrupting the class.
Floor Time
Floor Time
Getting down on the floor can be productive during sessions that require group work, creativity or problem solving. The floor actually grounds the muscles creating a calming effect. Beanbag chairs, pillows or floor spots are great to use in this regard.
Bike and Read
Bike and Read
Along that thought, you might want to solicit used exercise bikes for your “Pedal to Read” program. Kids love to bike and read. You can get actual exercise bikes or pedlars that sit on the floor right near their feet.
Along that thought, you might want to solicit used exercise bikes for your “Pedal to Read” program. Kids love to bike and read. You can get actual exercise bikes or pedlars that sit on the floor right near their feet.
Stand to Learn
Stand to Learn
Some kids just can’t sit. Try out a podium, standing desk or table at the back of the classroom for your standers. You can also put a wiggle cushion or balance board under their feet while standing to engage their bodies with their brains.
Some kids just can’t sit. Try out a podium, standing desk or table at the back of the classroom for your standers. You can also put a wiggle cushion or balance board under their feet while standing to engage their bodies with their brains.
Fidgets that Help
Fidgets that Help
Either foot or hand fidgets can help your kids sit for longer. Putty, squishy balls and small fidgets work for the hands. Try tying resistance bands around the legs of the chairs for an easy foot fidget. Fidgets can be made available in the classroom or upon a polite request from the student.
Either foot or hand fidgets can help your kids sit for longer. Putty, squishy balls and small fidgets work for the hands. Try tying resistance bands around the legs of the chairs for an easy foot fidget. Fidgets can be made available in the classroom or upon a polite request from the student.
Bungee Chairs
Bungee Chairs
Still want a chair? Try some alternative chairs in your classroom. You don’t need to outfit the entire classroom. Just one or two different chairs can do the trick. Bungee chairs are great for their bounce as are chairs that spin, such as stools.
Still want a chair? Try some alternative chairs in your classroom. You don’t need to outfit the entire classroom. Just one or two different chairs can do the trick. Bungee chairs are great for their bounce as are chairs that spin, such as stools.
Four Fun Activities to Try at Home
Four Fun Activities to Try at Home
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