Let’s talk about the elephant in the room for a second, and kids nowadays lack physical activity. Kids are plugged into technology way more, they spend less time outdoors, and honestly, they aren’t as active as they should be. The research is clear, physical activity relieves stress, burns energy, and enhances focus. When students are more active, they perform better cognitively, and it’s all correlated with fewer behavior issues.
This past year many students throughout the United States were learning virtually, which meant being glued to a screen for hours on end with little to no movement. Providing our students with opportunities to move throughout their school day activities their brains and actually allows them to focus and engage more. So, let’s get our students moving. You’re probably thinking…there is no way my students are going to get an extra recess. Same, ha! It is why providing opportunities to move in the classroom is essential.
1. Games
I am a big advocate for games, and I love incorporating learning in non-traditional ways as I see how engaged my students are. And I am a huge, huge advocate for the classroom community. And, one of the most crucial aspects of building a community is through game playing and team-building activities. This bundle is filled with fun games that foster relationships and get my students up and moving. Some of our favorites are four corners, balls and spoons, and balloon blow. Using games as a way to get your students up and moving while working on other skills is a win-win!
2. Measure the Room
I will be honest, and I couldn’t imagine sitting at a desk all day. My legs would go numb, and I would go crazy. Well, think about a primary student…it is the same for them. They need to be moving. Measuring the room is a fun way to work on measuring skills while moving throughout the classroom.
3. Use Different Materials
I love using fun and different materials with my students for phonics practice and during our math lessons. I use things like fly swatters, pop fidget toys, and playdough, just to name a few. These materials allow students to move their bodies while engaging with activities in a different way, and they are doing more than just writing but instead actively engaging in other ways.
4. Gallery Walk
Students walk throughout the classroom during a gallery walk looking at a series of images, texts, or student work. It is ultimately up to the teacher what the expectations and the display is. But, it’s a great way for your students to walk the room either discussing or thinking about what they are looking at. You can come together afterward with questions or for discussion time.
5. Yoga
Yoga has so many great benefits in the classroom other than getting to get your kiddos moving. It plays a crucial role in emotion regulation, reducing anxiety, academic performance, and overall physical well-being. Yoga can easily be implemented in your classroom by taking a few minutes to try a new pose every day or try using a fun channel like Cosmic Kids.
6. Dance, Dance, Dance
Dancing is a perfect brain break, and I love putting on a fun song and just allowing my students to dance it out. Dance away your worries, stress, and just have a bit of fun for a second. A five-minute freeze dance game seriously does wonders for their focus and engagement. But, other times, we use GoNoodle for a choreographed dance lesson. Dancing gives kids the chance to be silly for a moment and shake it out.
7. Movement Based Learning Stations
Of course, when setting up learning centers or stations, your students will have to physically move from one spot to another, but you can add in other forms of movement. For instance, you can tell students to hop to their next center, or do 15 jumping jacks. Or, a great way to incorporate dance is to require students to dance to their next station. Add in movement by creating a scavenger hunt station or a write the room activity.
8. Nature Walk/Class in Grass
If your district allows it, get outside. Take your lesson into the grass and teach outdoors. A little bit of fresh air goes a long way. But, if a class in the grass isn’t exactly your thing, then try going on a nature walk. You can have students make observations of what they see or bring a notebook to write.
9. Flexible Seating
To say I love flexible seating is an understatement. I am a big advocate for it and have transformed my classroom by using various forms. It allows my students to bounce, wobble, or even stand during lessons. It truly helps them focus more, and it will enable my students to be in a space that works best for them.
We cannot expect our students to sit still all day long, that is an unfair request, and honestly, it’s not suitable for their development or academic performance. Students are more engaged with their learning when they are in environments that allow them to move. That doesn’t mean your classroom needs to be chaotic, loud, and rowdy. It means, as an educator it is our job to provide meaningful opportunities that incorporate movement. Those were just nine simple and easy ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. In a world where P.E and recess are being cut, we owe it to your students to give them opportunities for physical activity. In the long run, they will genuinely be more focused and equipped to learn.
