While reading some research supporting movement in the classroom I came across an interesting idea. According to Eric Jensen's "Moving with the Brain in Mind", published in Educational Leadership in November of 2000, sitting is not a natural or welcomed position for our bodies. In fact, sitting puts 30 percent MORE pressure on our spinal discs than standing does! This additional pressure creates additional fatigue (p. 35)! How can we expect our students to sit in a chair for hours on end and not become tired?
In my student-teaching experience, we use periodic breaks to energize students. We frequently use the "B-More Fit" videos and programs, but as Katie Brown said in her post below, some students refuse to participate because they have the option to. In our classroom however, we do not give the option of not participating at all. If students do not want to dance, they don't have to! But they must at least STAND UP. As I stated above, just standing helps reduce the pressure put on our spinal discs. If they want to defy the system and not participate in the physical movement, they can, but only as long as they stand.
Through this research project, I plan on looking for ways to promote engagement in the brain breaks. What's the use if students purposely don't participate in the physical movement as an act of defiance? I like to think that getting them to stand is the first step!
Sources:
Jensen, E. (2000). Moving with the Brain in Mind. Educational Leadership, 34-37.
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