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The Kinesthetic Classroom
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The Kinesthetic Classroom
Teaching and Learning Through Movement

Edited by:

Foreword by Jean Blaydes Madigan



January 2010 | 176 pages | Corwin

"Here is a resource that is based on sound research in neuroscience and cognitive psychology and filled with practical suggestions on how to incorporate movement into all kinds of learning activities at every grade level. The Kinesthetic Classroom is a must-have book for every educator who wants to improve student motivation and achievement."
—David A. Sousa, Educational Consultant
Author of How the Brain Learns

Discover the link between physical activity and academic success!

Current research shows that regular physical activity helps children and teenagers perform better in school. Taking physical activity beyond gym class and recess, this inspiring book shows how to integrate movement as part of classroom teaching and learning.

Drawing on cutting-edge educational research, the authors describe how regular physical movement improves attention span and helps the brain master new information. Readers will learn how to use short activity breaks to refocus students and how to enhance the academic curriculum through movement-based games. This resource includes:

  • User-friendly information on how physical activity influences the brain
  • Hundreds of movement activities that can be easily implemented in the classroom, including many requiring two minutes or less
  • Discussion of how movement can contribute to classroom management and community
  • Case studies showing how combining physical activity and academics contributes to student achievement

With an emphasis on teaching the whole child, this guide shows how movement can improve students' mental and physical well-being and contribute to their joy in learning.


View Mike Kuczala's TEDx Talk here!

 
Foreword by Jean Blaydes Madigan
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
1. Introduction to Movement With a Purpose
 
2. The Brain/Body Connection
 
3. Classroom Management
 
4. Preparing the Brain
 
5. Providing Brain Breaks
 
6. Supporting Exercise and Fitness
 
7. Developing Class Cohesion
 
8. Reviewing Content
 
9. Teaching Content
 
10. What Matters Most
 
Resources
 
References
 
Index

"Here is a resource that is based on sound research in neuroscience and cognitive psychology and filled with practical suggestions on how to incorporate movement into all kinds of learning activities at every grade level. The Kinesthetic Classroom is a must-have book for every educator who wants to improve student motivation and achievement."

David A. Sousa, Educational Consultant
Author, How the Brain Learns

"Provides invigorating ideas to improve student learning and keep our students’ bodies and minds in shape through movement. This book will make educators rethink the importance of incorporating movement in the classroom."

Kristy Spears, Fourth-Grade Teacher
Fort Mill School District, SC

"The Kinesthetic Classroom invites educators to connect with learners in moving ways that allows the content to actively be part of them!"

Toby Karten, Author, Inclusion Strategies That Work!

"This book has completely changed my methodology of teaching in my high school chemistry classes. Through movement, I have seen more students comprehend abstract concepts while enjoying being in class."

Catherine Zavacki, Chemistry Teacher
Hillsborough High School, NJ

"This book provides educators with a framework of practical ideas and strategies to enhance the connection between learning and movement. This is an excellent resource for all educators!"

Elizabeth M. Robison, Deputy Superintendent
Pocono Mountain School District, Swiftwater, PA

"This book is a great resource for teachers looking to work movement into their classes. It is full of fun, practical activities that can be used across multiple settings with kids of various ages and skill levels."

William J. Behre, Dean, School of Education
The College of New Jersey

"Traci Lengel and Mike Kuczala provide readers with great examples of ways to get children moving, active, and ready to learn."

Teaching Young Children, Dec 2011-Jan 2012
NAEYC
Key features

This book answers these essential questions:

  • How can exercise and fitness be supported in the classroom?
  • What if I'm not currently active in my own life?
  • What basic elements of movement can be used effectively in the classroom?
  • How can I Implement classroom movements in 1 to 5 minutes?
  • What can I do to make fitness fun?

For instructors

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ISBN: 9781452271200

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ISBN: 9781412979542
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