AEET/EDET 603 Fall 2012 PSA Project: The DESIGN Phase Outline Project Title: Purposeful Movement in the

Classroom

Name: Ashley Hebert

General Goal: To encourage teachers to use movement during their lessons to maximize the learning that is taking place. Specific Outcomes: Teachers incorporate meaningful movement into lesson plans. Teachers utilize movement strategies to teach content. Teachers appreciate the moving aspect of learning. Audience Teachers, guidance counselors, parents, administration, public and guest speakers Content Outline I. Concepts of Movement-Based Learning a. Children naturally learn through play and movement. Builds large and fine-motor skills that lead to thought structures b. Successful learning begins with an awareness of imbalance. Leads to: 1. experimentation 2. creation of new associations in memory 3. new level of equilibrium that brings a task to closure and stores for future reference c. Learners of any age can come to an impasse. Why balance is important: a. helps concentration b. organizes our bodies c. filters out distractions d. helps synthesize important things Three primary types of movement contributing to the physical skills of learning: a. Organization/Stabilization skills Brain Gym Category: Energy Exercises Brain Gym Category: Deepening Attitudes b. Focus/Participation skills Brain Gym Category: Lengthening Activities c. Communication/Processing skills

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Brain Gym Category: Midline Movements Start with PACE a. E: Energetic- sipping water Hold each sip in your mouth for a minute before swallowing. b. C: Clear- brain buttons Make a U shape with one hand and place your thumb and index finger in the soft depressions just below your collarbone and to each side of your sternum; place your other hand over your navel. Rub the Brain Buttons for about thirty seconds. Switch hands and repeat the activity. c. A: Active- the cross crawl Stand comfortably and cross midline of body with smooth and alternate movements from one arm to other leg. Explore variations. d. P: Positive- hook ups Part 1: Cross ankles. Extend arms forward and cross wrists. Interlace fingers and clasp hands up toward chest. Hold, breath slowly, and then exhale. Part 2: Do finger patterns to make sure learner is ready. Midline Movements a. Think of an X b. Neck rolls c. The double doodle d. Alphabet 8s e. Belly breathing f. The elephant g. Cross crawl sit-ups h. Lazy 8s i. The rocker j. The energizer k. The cross crawl Lengthening Activities a. The owl b. Arm activation c. The footflex d. The gravity glider e. The calf pump f. The grounder The Energy Exercises and Deepening Attitudes a. Sipping Water b. The energy yawn c. The thinking cap d. Space buttons e. Earth buttons

f. Brain buttons g. Balance buttons Source: Brain Gym: Teachers Edition by Paul E. Dennison and Gail E. Dennison