The Benefit of Movement in Schools

Fiore, N.  (2014, April 8).  The benefits of movement in schools.  The Creativity Post.
      http://www.creativitypost.com/education/the_benefits_of_movement_in_schools

     “The Benefits of Movement in Schools” written by Nina Fiore highlights the importance of including movement breaks into the classroom setting.  Fiore also discusses how little/reduced movement breaks can negatively affect students and the learning process.  In the article, Fiore argues the importance of teachers incorporating movement breaks throughout their students’ day as research shows all students can benefit regardless of their age, background, or learning style. 

     Throughout the article Fiore discusses that regular movement can benefit students in many ways.  Classrooms that encourage breaks and allow for active learning are more conducive settings for inclusion.  Students with special needs are not successful in classrooms where remaining seated for long periods of time is required.  In addition, movement breaks in the form of P.E. or recess promotes health and fitness.  According to Fiore’s findings regular breaks increases students’ engagement and interest in learning.  Increase in student engagement results in fewer behavior issues and more meaningful learning.

     Fiore has found that many schools today are not allotting opportunities for students to get up and move.  This is a result of schools focusing so heavily on assessment as well as teachers who expect their students to remain seated and quiet for hours at a time.  She argues this technique does not work and is harmful to students.  She believes the expectation for students to remain seated for hours at a time is not feasible and is the root of increased cases of ADD and causes behavior problems.  

     Movement breaks on a regular basis, according to Fiore, should be implemented in every classroom and a part of EVERY school’s policy.  Implementing regular movement breaks is easy and affordable.  Movement breaks can be lead through the use of technology (DVDs, podcasts, and apps) or by means of jumping jacks and simple stretches.  She suggests more memorable learning can come from teaching for 30 minutes and then taking a 10 minute break, rather than teaching for the whole 40 minutes.  Fiore (2014) explains, “The movement breaks cause a win-win situation, because the children are getting some exercise and regulation and, in addition, the shorter lessons are more easily remembered.  The movement itself also helps children focus and retain more information from the lesson.”

     In my classroom, especially teaching kindergarten, I aim to incorporate movement breaks regularly throughout our daily schedule and during lessons as often as possible.  Movement breaks are crucial for keeping my students engaged and on task.  It creates a fun, positive, and cheery atmosphere for learning.  Positive classroom environments are motivating and engaging for students.
   
     In my classroom my class usually transitions between subjects areas using a movement break.  My class utilize GoNoodle online tool to facilitate our movement break activity.  The kids LOVE GoNoodle and look forward to trying activities.  GoNoodle movement break videos include dancing, breathing, yoga, stretching, and exercising.  The kindergartners love the class avatar that tracks their progress and grows as they complete a level of activity.   

     I also try to incorporate movement into daily lessons.  An example of a daily routine that involves movement is our counting routine during our calendar time.  My students stand up and we sing counting by 1s, counting by 10s, counting by 5s, and counting by 2s.  For each song there is a dance they do that goes along with the music and counting (1s- clap, 10s- robot dance, 5s- windshield wiper arms, 2s- bounce and hop like a bunny).

     I think movement breaks should be implemented into our school’s plan for indoor recess days.  We currently have the students watch a movie in the hallway.  I think GoNoodle would be the perfect tool to keep students moving and active even when they can’t be outside.