How Should Brain Compatible Movements be Used to Prepare The Brain for Learning?

• preparing the brain movements play an important role in "setting" the brain for improved learning and performance
• these activities are appropriate for most grade, fitness, and ability levels and require minimal space to execute
• movements can be implemented in a one- to two-minute time frame during lessons
• teacher should consider the objective for using the movement activities

Consider your Objective

• if you want students to work on reading and writing skills, have them do activities that cross the midline of the body
• goal is to get both sides of the brain communicating to achieve greater success within the presented challenge
• students can also participate in activities that develop the vestibular system
• goal of these would be to help student better track words or numbers on a page

Windows of Opportunity to Incorporate Movement Activities

• prior to standardized tests
• at the start of the day
• before diving into an academic goal
• between academic activities (math, science, writing, reading)
• when students show signs of boredom
• when students appear restless
• before and during testing
• while teaching and reviewing academic content

Benefits of Excuting the Movement Activities

• quick to implement
• no equipment is required
• classroom management is minimal
• start slow to develop you confidence in implementing the activities
• should continue to use them consistently during appropriate times
• typically are done independently
• easier to implement than those requiring students to work in groups or as partners
• easy to use to promote brain communication and improved learning

How to Link Brain Compatible Movements to Academics

• Be creative
• Practice makes perfect
• Combine academic content with specific movements
• Examples:
  • perform heel taps or windmills while reciting the alphabet
  • juggle one or two scarves while counting odd and even numbers
  • spin 360 degrees while learning the planets and solar system
  • point to designated places on a map while holding a balance pose
  • leap frog to the points on a geometric square
  • jump rope while reading a word wall

Benefits of Integrated Movement Activities

• students are able to participate in preparing-the-brain movements to facilitate learning
• activities serve to reenergize learners
• students can still learn academic content to meet goals and standard while moving their bodies
• fitness levels of students improve
• fitness levels of teacher and teacher assistant improve

Your Challenge

• to become familar with the activities provided in your textbook
• to use the activities provided in your textbook when you are studying or completing lessons for your courses
• to video yourself participating in the events of the activities you practice
• to share a link to your video with your professor
• to summarize any benefits you notice after you have participated in the activities