The days of classrooms filled with rows of desks are becoming a thing of the past. One of the biggest trends schools are currently exploring are the different ways to bring more movement and energy into the classroom environment. There are truly an endless number of creative ways to incorporate movement into your school day. Read on to see how easy it really is.
Movable, flexible furniture
Movement can easily occur in an organic, unprescribed manner and at Natural Pod we are constantly exploring ways to make this happen. As a dancer, our CEO and co-founder, Bridgitte Alomes’ vision of promoting movement in learning environments is reflected in everything we do. Her recent Ted Talk describes how this vision inspires our work at Natural Pod and how important it is to create spaces and furniture that naturally facilitate movement and creativity. From benches that can easily be moved into different configurations, to standing tables, to seating on castors, our pieces encourage students to move throughout the space, as well as to take ownership of their classroom. Our “Movable Classroom” video captures the essence of a fluid learning environment that, doesn’t simply just allow children the freedom to move but actually encourages it.
Kinesthetic Learning
This learning style, which is learning through movement, was touched on in one of my articles a few weeks back. This type of learning physically engages children with the curriculum while encouraging them to express themselves. With this method students are able to discover new ways of thinking just by getting out of their seats. Kinesthetic learning is experiential and allows children to absorb the material by using their bodies. From becoming a fictional literary character, to improvising the ending of a story, to recreating the water cycle, the opportunities for learning through movement are endless. As neurophysiologist Carla Hannaford shares in her book, Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All in Your Head, “Movement anchors thought.” Children learn more easily and better retain material if they are physically engaged in the process. By incorporating movement, teachers can help their students make deeper emotional, interpersonal, and kinesthetic connections to all kinds of subjects, both academic and extracurricular.
Movement Breaks
These types of breaks can come in many forms. Some classes start their day with yoga as a way to wake up and get energized, while others, like the class featured in this video, choose a more energetic activity. As witnessed in the clip, movement can be a great way to foster a connection between teachers and students, as well as to create community within a classroom. Dancing allows positive self expression, freedom, and the opportunity to just be themselves.
So get moving! It will invigorate you and your students and will keep them focused and engaged with what they’re learning. Plus, it’s just plain fun!
Not only does movement make learning more meaningful,