Movement Matters!
Written by Whitney Carter, DPT
Why are brain breaks and movement so important? Research shows that movement is directly tied to learning. According to Therapy Source (see below), here are some evidence based reasons to get your children up and moving!
increases interest, motivation (Vazou et al., 2012), and learning (Braniff, 2011).
improves content knowledge, skills, and test scores in core subjects such as mathematics and reading fluency (Adams-Blair & Oliver, 2011; Erwin, Fedewa, & Ahn, 2013; Browning et al., 2014).
may help children meet the recommendation to complete 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
https://www.yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2017/03/27/evidence-based-reasons-incorporate-movement-classroom-instruction/
A great way to incorporate movement and get children ready for academic activities is to use Yoga! Yoga serves as a brain break, a strategy to help with mood and regulation, and as an indoor recess game. Please see below the link to a great Apple Themed Yoga and Movement Activity from Pink Oatmeal (a wonderful Therapy blog to follow if you are not already a follower!)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/543457880024915631/
These “apple” activities also work on functional strength, balance, flexibility, motor planning, the vestibular system (core stability and balance), and the sensory systems. These activities can also promote improved cooperation and teamwork if playing this in a group.
Remember to keep it fun! You could even make a tree out of construction paper and place the cards on the tree to have children “pick” their favorite pose to do with their friends, sibling, or parent. (Had to get a little apple pun in there somewhere!). Follow our Facebook page for more ideas to support virtual and homeschooled learning or just to add some physical activity to your family’s day.
Spot On Therapy Group LLC
804.893.5010 Phone Ext 3
1.804.412.8105 Fax
4840 Waller Road, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23230
