Optimizing Kinesthetic Classroom Equipment
Stacey Shoecraft
Bobby Sommers
Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds 2015
Why should you incorporate movement in the classroom?
Research shows... • 80% of students are kinesthetic learners,
incorporating movement supports learning style.
• Results we have seen in the classroom
What are brain breaks and why should you use them?
Quick breaks allow students to step away from their
learning, have a mental break, and then re-engage with the learning process.
• Bathroom break • Mental break • Transitions
Go Noodle www.gonoodle.com
Procedures
How to use equipment (SAFETY IS KEY)
Set clear expectations for behaviors at stations
-What does it look like? What does it feel like?
Creation and implementation of classroom rules -Allow students to have ownership if possible
-Tie in closely to school wide rules
Procedures Keeping it together -Folder system -1 to 1 iPads -Quick activities or games at each station *Don’t forget the early finisher
Resources and Activities
Use what you have. • Center activities • Review stations • Group projects • Whole class instruction • Individual activities • Teacher Pay Teacher or Pinterest (www.pinterest.com) • Flash cards
What types of activities or resources do you already
have that would support movement in the classroom?
Large Equipment
-Learning Desks
-Stationary bikes
-Yoga balls at every desk
-Bosu balance trainer
-Learning ladder
Smaller Equipment
-Duck walkers -Balance discs -Jump Ropes -Small basketball hoop -Number pad -Large dice -Yoga mats -Wobble seats -Stretch bands -Toss and catch -Scarves -Hula hoops -Stomp and catch
STRETCH!
Warm up Alternating knees Twist left and right Hands overhead Over shoulder neck stretch Shoulder blade touch Balance board Lunges
Where to Get the Funding?
• Student engagement
• Grant writing
• Donations
• PTO
• Admin
• Community involvement
• Be creative!
Classroom Management Keys and Tools
-Jump Castle Theory - provide time for
adjustment/acclimation to equipment
-Egg of calmness
-Brain Break - student chosen/lead
-Verbal Cues
Check your stations,
RESET, and ROTATE
Classroom Management Keys and Tools
Behavior expectations
• Self evaluation
• Classroom Dojo and Edmodo
Challenges:
• the hyperactive student
• off task behavior
• give opportunity for success, redirection when necessary, reflection of choices and actions
Wrap it up!
• Walk and Talk/Think, pair, share
• Circle up
www.Edmodo.com
Learn2move group code 7wj5d6