Brain Breaks

Ann Paulls-Neal John Baker Elementary School paulls@aps.edu

Temperature Check
Whos here
PE/Health/Counselors/Administrators/ Classroom Teachers Elementary/Secondary/Community

Temperature Check Contd

Needs?
Research Activities to take back Resources

The Relationship Between Learning and Activity/Fitness

California Study Behaviour Trends
Overview of Research

California Study
2001 Grade 5 SAT 9 and Physical Fitness
80

71

SAT 9 Percentile

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
29 40 36 32 36 50 45 40 46 58 55

R e a d in g M a th e m a tic s

Number of Fitness Standards Achieved

California Study Contd

2001 Grade 7 SAT 9 and Physical Fitness

70

66 60 54 50 44 41 34 36

SAT 9 Percentile
4

60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1 2 3 4
31 26 28 32

R e a d in g M a th e m a tic s

Number of Fitness Standards Achieved

2001 Grade 9 SAT 9 and Physical Fitness

70

67 58 51

SAT 9 Percentile

60 50 40 30
21 38 35 31 28 24 43 37

45

R e a d in g M a th e m a tic s

20 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Number of Fitness Standards Achieved

Key Findings of the California Statewide Study

Higher achievement was associated with higher levels of fitness at each of the three grade levels measured. The relationship between academic achievement and fitness was greater in mathematics than in reading, particularly at higher fitness levels. Students who met minimum fitness levels in 3 or more physical fitness areas showed the greatest gains in academic achievement at all three grade levels. Females demonstrated higher achievement than males, particularly at higher fitness levels.

Behaviour Trends

Overview of Research
The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Academic Performance or Brain Function Reid Bennett

YES! There is a relationship.

Test Scores Brain Function Classroom Behavior Social Success/ Peer Interaction Psychological Well-being/ Stress Relief School Attendance Quality Physical Education Program

Overview of Research Contd

Physical activity is good not only for the heart, but also for the brain, feeding it glucose and oxygen, and increasing nerve connections, all of which makes it easier for children of all ages to learn. Numerous studies show that children who exercise do better in school. (Newsweek, 2/19/96) Beat awareness and beat comptency enhances the internal dialogue for better silent reading. (Weikart, Campbell, Campbell) Improved balance improves spatial skills needed to read letters from left to right on a page

Overview of Research Contd

What makes us move is also what makes us think. Certain kinds of exercise can produce chemical alterations that give us stronger, healthier, and happier brains. A better brain is better equipped to think, remember, and learn. (A Users Guide to the Brain, Dr. John Ratey) Movement counteracts learned helplessness and causes positive learning states particularly for students with learning differences. (Jensen) People who are more aerobically fit have the fastest cognitive responses. (Van Praag)

Overview of Research Contd

Movement is the bodys natural reward system. (Jensen) In a Canadian study, academic scores went up when physical education time was increased to one-third of the school day. (Vanves and Blanchard) Children who engage in daily physical education show superior motor fitness, academic performance, and attitude toward school as compared to their counterparts who do not have physical education. (Pollatscek and Hagen) 85% of school age children are natural kinesthetic learners. Teaching with more of the senses involved increases learning 63% Cross lateralization (crossing the midline) uses the same neural connections that the brain uses to read, write, spell, and process math (Blaydes)

Overview of Research Contd

All things being equal, a physically active child will have an ADVANTAGE in learning and an inactive child is a a DISADVANTAGE for learning. (Hesslow)

What does this mean for us?

A Quality Physical Education Program:

Is developmentally appropriate. Promotes sensory stimulation for optimal growth and development and early cognitive function. Assists in perceptual and cognitive development. Improves the function of the central nervous, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems of the body. Enhances self-concept, self-esteem, and social competence. Improves psycho-social functions. Prepares physically active children to become physically active adults. Is educational, motivational, and fun!!!

Integrating PE Into the Classroom and the Classroom into PE

Movement Stories

Fitness Spelling Dice Fitness

Relays

Sensory Integration
Overview of Implications Introduction to Stategies

Yoga + Physical Education

HOW COME WE DIDNT THINK OF THIS BEFORE?!

o Easyits different, unknown, has challenges o Why we need to consider & implement this as a part of quality, standards-based PE:
o Positive effect on student concentration & stress (Angus, 1989;
Hopkins, 1979)

o Improved behavior, self-esteem, academic focus, & fitness (Slovacek, Tucker, & Pantoja, 2003) o Reductions in aggression, helplessness o Increases in static balance & stress-coping (Stueck &
Gloeckner, 2005)

Yoga is a lifetime physical activity that provides both desired physical & mental benefits

Plank Forward bend Fierce Chair

Down Dog

Warrior II

Triangle

Locust

Childs Pose

Boat

Seated Spinal Twist

Next Steps
What can you take back to school?

Who do you need to convince? What help do you need?

Whats your plan?

Resources
Brain Breaks Resource List Websites: http://www.fit-4-kids.com http://www.actionbasedlearning.com http://www.pecentral.com http://www.beactivenc.org CDs: Rock N Roll Songs That TeachThe Learning Station Tony ChestnutThe Learning Station Seat WorksKimbo Educational Kids Books: One Hippo HopsJane Yolen Barnyard DanceSandra Boynton Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go NowDr. Seuss A Remainder of OneElinor Pinczes Jump, Kangaroo, JumpStuart Murphy Monkey See, Monkey Do (Book)Dana Regan Monkey See Monkey Do (Cards)Leslie Tryon Resource Books/DVDs: Teaching the Teen Brain (DVD)Action Based Learning How to Make Learning a Moving Experience (DVD)Action Based Learning Smart Moves Why Learning Is Not All In Your HeadCarla Hannaford Physical Activities for Improving Childrens Learning and Behavior A Guide to Sensory Motor DevelopmentCheatum and Hammond Brain-Based LearningEric Jensen Learning with the Body in MindEric Jensen Teaching with the Brain in MindEric Jensen Thinking On Your Feet 100+ Activities that Make Learning a. . . Moving Experience--Jean Blaydes Madigan Making the Connection: Health and Student Achievement (Powerpoint)--ASTHO