By Jena | Leave A Comment
It’s time for school to start. Kids are running this way and that. My youngest is nowhere to be seen (and he’s first on the list). For us, getting school started was a regular 3-ring circus. But I’ve stumbled upon a little secret that has transformed our homeschool…movement.
Movement - A Powerful Tool for Learning
In Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All in Your Head, Carla Hannaford describes how movement increases alertness, keeps the brain awake, and increases attention span. (pg.114). I took Carla’s advice and began each day with movement.
Each morning we start our day outside. We play relay games, catch, jump rope, run through obstacle courses, and good ol’ fashioned tag.
The results of Intential Movement?
Every morning I don’t have to hunt my kids down, they are outside waiting for me! After 20-30 minutes of laughing and playing together (mom included) we are back inside for a glass of water with bodies and minds ready to start our studies.
School time is MORE productive now. We start on time, everyone is more focused so lessons run smoother, and there are fewer discipline issues. Start your day moving. It does a body (and a mind) good.
ABOUT Jena
Jena Names is a homeschooling mother of three and learning styles advocate. Visit her website, Custo{read more}
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I discovered the very same thing, this year – completely unintentionally. I had never thought to include exercise / movement in our daily learning; after all, my home-schooled children get more playtime than the typical public-schooled child. But, this year, I decided to begin each morning with a loosely structured workout session with my children, as part of our Health and Science studies. Not only do I discuss the physical structure of the human body as we exercise, my children also gain a better understanding of their own bodies’ capacities and the true meaning of pushing forward.
I immediately discovered that the morning exercise routine puts my children in happy moods. They are in our workout spot, on time, with smiles on their faces, ready to start the “school day.” And that anticipation continues through the rest of their studies. They have fun with the physical activity, they are fascinated to learn about the human body in a real-time, hands-on way, and the movement clearly has a positive physical affect on their brain activity and general mood.
I agree with you – start your day moving. It really does do great things for the mind and body!
That news is so refreshing to hear….we love movement here and also free-time for my younger children to really explore creativity and expression.
Thank you for this article!
Thanks for the information!! I am so going to implement recess into our homeschool time… Luckily we live in south texas and can go outside(without much hastle) to run and play year round… Thank you Thank you Thank you!!