We all know the importance of keeping our learners active and involved. Now, imagine my surprise when I read an article about schools incorporating 30 minutes of exercise before class begins. It seems there are innovative teachers who are harnessing exercise to help kids focus, learn, and remember.
Dr. John Ratey, a Harvard Medical School professor, argues that we turn on our “thinking brain” when we run, skip, or cycle to get the heart pumping. A run in the morning, for example, boosts blood flow, which carries more oxygen and nutrients to the brain. It also helps kids become more alert, focused, and motivated by elevating and balancing the neurotransmitters that influence emotions and attention.
Three mornings a week, students either play hockey (remember, it’s a way of life here in Canada), do intense skipping drills, go through a circuit of aerobic stations, or do a 2 ½ kilometer run.
Now for the good news; teachers have reported a dramatic improvement in school work, attendance, behavior, and self-esteem. Class literacy levels have risen and learning skills such as ability to work independently, organization, and responsibility have improved dramatically.
I realize that those of us in the training industry can’t get our learners running, skipping, or cycling (or can we?), but we can get them moving! I always try to keep my learners energized, especially when we hit that dreadful hour after lunch. I call it the “Teflon hour” (because nothing sticks) or the ALC—After-Lunch Coma! Here are some of my favorite energizers:
I usually incorporate this icebreaker/energizer after lunch. I ask everyone to stand and tell them to follow what I am doing. I usually start with a basic dance move. (Yes, I think I’m Ellen; now that Oprah isn’t around, I need a new role model!) Then I will call someone’s name in class, let’s say Melissa, and she will change the activity and the rest of us will follow what she is doing. Melissa then calls someone else’s name and we’ll follow that person. It energizes the group, gets everyone moving. and helps to familiarize the group with each other.
I also conduct a review game/relay race, called A-Z. I have the table groups write the letters A-Z, vertically, in two columns on the flipchart. They then stand in a line, facing the flipchart. First person in line, can use any letter, and fill in a word that relates to content discussed in class. First person goes to the back of the line and second person approaches the flipchart and fills in a word, etc. I give the teams two minutes to fill in as many words as possible and the team that fills in the most letters, in two minutes, WINS! It’s quick, easy, and does get their heart rates up a bit.
Bottom line, when we don’t move enough, our brains begin to erode. So, what are you doing to energize your groups?
Marsha
