Teaching with the Brain in Mind: Chapter 4 Movement and Learning

Complete this Reading Guide and present as your Ticket in the Door
Chapter 4 demonstrates that movement can be an effective cognitive strategy to:
1.

Strengthen Learning

2.

Improve memory and morale

3.

Enhance learner motivation and morale

One fundamental tenet of our text is that we must:

Teach with the brain in mind!
The part of the brain that processes movement is the same part of the brain that processes cognation.
In your own words, explain why there is value in playground activities (swinging, rolling, and jumping).
Movement and learning are connected in our brain. When students engage in these activities they are
strengthening parts of their brain that are crucial to learning.
Physical activity is a reliable way to increase blood flow and hence oxygen to the brain.
List your childhood favorite play-oriented movements which improved cognition (see the list on page 64
for suggestions).

Swinging
Tag
Jumping on the trampoline
Climbing trees

Which benefit of exercise do you find most interesting. Justify your answer.
Exercise leads to the release of BDNF, which enhances cognation. The brain will release a substance
that improves communication among neurons. Exercise is to our brain, as spinach is to poppys muscles.
Why would movement have additional benefits for special-needs learners?
Special needs learners are often in poor mental states, but movement will improve that. Movement
incorporated with learning will ensure the students are mentally ready to take in and process
information.
Which practical suggestion provided on pages 66-67 will you use in your future classroom? Explain the
reason for your selection.

I know I will utilize more than one of these, but I am most excited to implement the drama and role
plays. If the students play charades to go over material, they will later remember the silly action that
was used to convey the idea. I was a thespian and I love the suggestion of a one-minute commercial, or
skit, to review or preview concepts.
From resources available to you (interview physical education teachers, books, reliable internet sites),
list five (5) cross-lateral experiences you could use in your future classroom. Note: you will be asked to
lead our class in these cross-lateral experiences throughout the semesterso select unique examples.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The Finger Walk

The Thumb Switch Off
Im OK, If Youre OK
Windmills
Symmetrical Image