Research has shown a robust link between physical activity and learning. 

• The brain requires a huge amount of the body's oxygen supply, delivered through the flow of blood. Body movement increases heart rate, boosting blood flow to the brain and providing more oxygen. 

  • Increased blood flow to the brain leads to better focus and alertness

  • According to Blaydes (2020), sitting for just 20-30 minutes allows 80% of blood to pool in the hips. We want to send that blood back up to the brain through movement. 

• Moving the body promotes brain plasticity by stimulating the growth of new connections

  • Physical activity helps build cells in the dentate gyrus of the brain which is associated with memory

  • The size of the basal ganglia can be increased through exercise, thus supporting attentional control 

• Allowing for movement helps to buffer stress and anxiety, both of which are known to minimize learning

Stressed brains don't learn the way relaxed ones do 

• In order to access the higher-level thinking housed in the frontal lobes of our brains, we need to ensure our students are as calm and relaxed as possible

• Stress hampers the ability of the brain to access critical executive functions like planning, prioritizing, sequencing, resisting impulses and using our working memories. 

Exercise and physical activity fight stress

• Exercise reduces stress hormones in the body including adrenaline and cortisol

• Exercise initiates the production of endorphins which act as feel-good chemicals in the brain 

Learning and the Brain:  https://www.playgroundprofessionals.com/play/health-and-safety/movement-and-learning-whats-connection

Using gesture, tableau and simulation to boost learning: https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/movement/