10 Ways to Infuse Movement into Your Classroom for Better Engagement and Focus
Nov 29, 2023Click the play bar below to listen to this week's show now:
Show Notes:
As we move into the time of year when students are excited about the upcoming holidays and school breaks, they tend to become more restless and less focused in the classroom. Instead of fighting their restless bodies and minds, why not create opportunities for movement throughout the day? Not only is infusing movement in your classroom fun for students, but it’s scientifically proven to improve memory retention and stimulates brain activity.
The research I found that supports movement in the classroom shares five main ways it positively benefits students through academic performance, memory, and improved attention and behavior. Incorporating movements promotes a state of mental readiness, which increases student engagement and focus.
Creating this kind of classroom environment is more than knowing the benefits behind it, but ways you can effectively create a movement-friendly classroom. Each idea I share doesn’t require a lot of time and can be easily integrated with what you’re already doing. From flexible seating to movement zones, to brain breaks and incorporating dance and music, these ideas boost engagement and enhance focus while streamlining your classroom management.
With any new activity implemented, there’s some trial and error and learning curves when infusing movement in your classroom. Finding moments to practice and involving signals increases the success and outcome of each designated movement. So whether you’re wanting to increase student engagement and focus before a special event or break, or wanting to stimulate brain activity, use these 10 movement ideas in your classroom with your students.
Want more ideas on student engagement and focus? Make sure you join The Classroom Management Club! Inside I have resources that target student movement and engagement, along with teacher cheat sheets that are easily accessible tools that streamline your classroom management. Be sure to join today!
Inside this week's show, you'll learn:
- 10 ways movement in the classroom can increase student engagement while improving memory retention
- The research behind the benefits of movement, along with the five main ways it impacts student learning
- Ideas for creating movement that boost engagement and enhances focus while streamlining your classroom management
- How you can successfully implement movement in your classroom that doesn’t take a lot of time and easily integrated in what you’re already doing
Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:
- Join the Classroom Management Club.
- Download the Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist.
- GoNoodle
- Cosmic Kids Yoga
- “The Positive Impact of Physical Activity on Cognition During Adulthood: A Review of Underlying Mechanisms, Evidence and Recommendations”
- “Basal Ganglia Volume Is Associated with Aerobic Fitness in Preadolescent Children”
- “A Physical Activity Program Improves Behavior and Cognitive Functions in Children with ADHD: An Exploratory Study”
- “The Effect of Acute Treadmill Walking on Cognitive Control and Academic Achievement in Preadolescent Children”
- “Physical Activity, Fitness, Cognitive Function, and Academic Achievement in Children: A Systematic Review”
- Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
- Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram.
- NEW! Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok.
I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.
💛 Lori
Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor
Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast, Beginning Teacher Talk, and creator of the innovative literacy program for 1st and 2nd grade, Dogs Help Kids Read and Succeed, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com and at howdogshelpkids.com.
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Related episodes you might enjoy:
- Episode 269, Ultimate Student Engagement in Your Elementary Classroom: Part Two
- Episode 268, Creative Strategies for Ultimate Student Engagement in Your Elementary Classroom: Part One
- Episode 112, 4 Keys to Ultimate Student Engagement
- Episode 50, 5 Great Ways to Spice Up Boring Curriculum & Increase Engagement
- Episode 34, Ultimate Student Engagement: 5 Positive, Easy, & Creative Ways to Get & Keep Your Students’ Attention
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