LITMIR.BIZ

      Fueling the Body and Brain for Optimal Learning

      The brain requires water, sleep, oxygen, blood flow, and proper nutrients for an optimal learning state. If the brain does not have a healthy status, how can we ask students to perform at peak levels? The next important question is, “Which of these components can school settings actually control, monitor, and/or change?” Traditional technology usage does not deliver all these benefits. Additionally, many students attend school without receiving a restful night of sleep, nor do they have access to proper nutrition. These are crucial factors and, in most cases, out of the schools’ hands. Students of all ages have nodded off at their desks because their bodies and brains were simply demanding sleep. The delivery of a physically active academic lesson can help a sleepy child maintain some attention and state of alertness during instruction and while completing tasks. Ideal cognitive processing may not be a realistic expectation in this sleep-deprived state, but active learning can surely help make a difference.

      Oxygen is essential for learning, yet 90% of the oxygen in our body/brain is stale unless we breathe deeply or exercise (Moize & Hess, 2017). Can you predict what fuels the brain and has been referred to by Dr. John Ratey (2008) as “Miracle-Gro” for the brain? If you answered “exercise,” you would be correct! Physical activity and exercise grow new brain cells (neurogenesis) in the learning and memory centers of the brain. Additionally, movement activates the BDNF (brain-derived neurotropic factor), which is a protein in humans that nourishes and protects the neural pathways for learning. Experts have suggested that student engagement increases 10% to 12% more during class simply by standing (Blaydes Madigan, 2009; Moize & Hess, 2017). When we sit for a certain amount of time, blood begins to pool in the feet and gluteus maximus, which is not beneficial for the body or the brain. Exercise provides protective effects to the brain through the production of nerve-protecting compounds, decreased cardiovascular disease, improved development, and survival of neurons (Mercola, 2012). When kinesthetic strategies are added to the classroom, students will be less likely to fall asleep and the brain can get the oxygen, blood flow, and nutrients it needs for optimal learning performance.

      Improving Concentration While Refocusing the Brain

      Most educators would admit that they have seen a significant decrease in children’s attention spans over the years. Developmental studies have found a positive link between physical activity and performance on concentration tests. Using movement in a learning environment helps improve focus and awareness for many learners. Active student engagement provides an alert state that holds students’ attention. As a result, educators can continue to teach with traditional methodologies for a slightly extended period of time while getting desirable results. Physical activity can also be used as a break from academics, and research has shown this to have a positive effect on attention spans as well (Bartholomew & Jowers, 2011; Grieco, Jowers, & Bartholomew, 2009). When students remain seated during instruction or when utilizing technology for extended periods of time, it is beneficial to allow them the opportunity to move their body as it feels comfortable and/or is necessary for them. Studies have shown that immediately after engaging in physical activity, children are better able to concentrate on classroom tasks, which can improve learning (Castelli et al., 2015). Kinesthetic teaching methodologies are realistic solutions that can help redirect wandering minds while improving students’ time on task.

      Increasing Motivation While Differentiating

      Motivation for learning is one of the most important factors for student achievement and success. Educational progress will be significantly limited if students are not motivated to learn (Basch, 2010). Active learning balanced with digital resources is a fun combination that can be individualized and can help provide this necessary influence. Physical activity and technology are both easy to differentiate in order to meet students’ needs, interests, and attractions. Adapting movements or physical activities often happens naturally. A student may need to move slower, choose a different position, or adjust their body to perform the task or skill. Many students are able to do this with little or no assistance from the teacher, all while receiving the benefits from the physical activity in the process. Implementing movement in the classroom may bring feelings of pride, accomplishment, and success. These feelings can easily produce intrinsic motivation along with a desire to move more. Kinesthetic teaching and learning in the classroom can provide motivation for additional reasons as well. These activities can be individualized, attainable, creative, relaxing, energizing, and unique. In turn, learning motivation will increase and continue as students feel confident and stimulated to learn at the same time.

      Increasing Attendance While Decreasing Behavioral Challenges

      When students enjoy school and they are healthy, attendance can increase as behavioral challenges decrease. Multiple studies and research confirm that there is a clear connection between health, learning, attendance, and selected behaviors. Some students just need to move. Employing active learning strategies provides an outlet. When teachers increase physical activity and movement in schools, students’ overall health, well-being, and energy levels will benefit. This may also lead to an increase in attendance because students will have the stamina to meet the physical demands of the school day. Below are some findings that support this link.