A LOOK AT THE CONNECTION OF BODY AND MIND MORGAN BARNES Movement Gets the Mind Motivated

How is it that something as basic as movement could impact learning? “The answer is quite simple. Movement acts as a generator to the brain and the brain is involved in all learning. An area of the brain called the cerebellum plays an intricate role in learning. The cerebellum makes up only 10% of the brain, but accounts for up to half of the neurons in the entire brain. This fact reveals the complexity and importance of this magnificent structure.”

Cerebellum Coordinates the timing of both thoughts and movements Signals to the brain where the body is in time and space. The cerebellum also works in tandem with other areas of the brain to maintain baseline postural control. Academics of all sorts Stimulate the cerebellum = Increased readiness

Benefits of Physical Education 546 schools in Ontario, Canada were tested for six years to see if physical education had any relation to academic grades.  They were allowed 5 more hours per week (time taken from academic subjects).  This group of students had an increase in academics Allows early development of everyday skills. (children ages 4-6)

Why Do We Need to “move” in The Class? Less and less physical education classes being offered. When P.E. is not available in A.M.  Classroom movement is needed to prompt the brain Ability to sit still Keep things fun/different Be flexible Know your students To much of a routine can be bad sometimes  Add things to create a “fun” environment when students seem to need it.

Ways to Include Movement in the Classroom and stimulate the cerebellum Letters with bodies Counting jumping jacks Balance with counting Stretches (Mrs. Karen Moody, Verona Elementary) Arm Rolls (Mrs. Bowen, Verona Elementary) Exercise balls Stress balls Use body to measure things Ball toss games for review of material Brain drink

Movement “Classroom teachers should have kids move for the same reason that P.E. teachers have the kids count.” (Teaching with the Brain in Mind Pg. 66) “Educators have noted fewer behavioral problems when children have opportunity to move in the classroom.” (

Work Ethic and Readiness in Morning P.E. Less talkative Receives directions Attentiveness “I think P.E. helps the students to follow directions in the classroom better. The physical release allows the students to focus on the cognitive tasks at hand.” (Mrs. Bowen, Verona Elementary)

In the Classroom after P.E. “AM physical education days is always helpful with the classroom routine. Students are more settled on days after we have P.E.” Mrs. Moody Better Listeners (Mrs. Bowen, Verona Elementary) Settle in quicker (Mrs. Bowen, Verona Elementary)

Classrooms at Work

Statistics “The cerebellum takes up just one-tenth of the brain by volume, but it contains nearly half of all its neurons.” (The Brain in Mind Pg. 61) Exercise improves classroom behavior and academics. (The Brain in Mind Pg. 63) 8% of elementary schools have P.E. everyday. ( 20% of schools are cutting recesses (

PACE Positive, Active, Clear, Energetic Readiness learning activity  Before school, after recess, and after lunch Brain buttons  sults_main&playnext=1&list=PL563EB53AE32C sults_main&playnext=1&list=PL563EB53AE32C2008  Cross Crawls Hook Ups Smart Moves. Why Learning is Not All in Your Head

Other Brain Gyms The energy yawn  Relaxes the face to work we work more efficiently The Thinking Cap  Hearing and memory

References Bowen, Shawna. Personal interview. 10 Nov Fritz, Jeremy. "Using Movement to Enhance Classroom Learning." Web. 8 Nov Jensen, Eric. Teaching with the Brain in Mind. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Print. Hannaford, Carla, and Candace B. Pert. Smart Moves Why Learning Is Not All in Your Head. Salt Lake City: Great River, Print. Moody, Karen. Personal interview. 02 Nov Spergan, Kathy. "Physical Education in America's Public School." University of Michigan. Web. 14 Nov