SESSION ABSTRACT

Teachers know it instinctively, they see it every day in their classrooms, and research supports it: to feel well, and learn well, students need to move. And they need to move at regular intervals throughout the school day, not just at recess or during after school free play . Yet even though we know how important movement is for our learners, our packed school schedules often leave us feeling that we can’t spare time away from lessons. That’s where and when energizers come in: in just two or three minutes, energizers get students moving, breathing deeply, laughing, and singing or laughing together. Then, with spirits refreshed, bodies relaxed, and minds clear, they are ready to refocus on more – and more productive learning. Energizers are a playful, purposeful way to incorporate physical exercise and mental stimulation into an already tight day: using energizers doesn’t take much time, but it can make a big impact on learning.