Play Blog

March 08

Play is anything you do that lights up your brain—or that of your students.

It could be physical, social, or emotional, usually creating fun, joy, and laughter,

Physical

Your Phy Ed teacher is the expert here, with both the information and equipment. They make great partners and resources in this brain work. Group or individual large muscle activity does wonders to refresh brain and body—indoors or out.

An Occupational Therapist colleague teaches alphabet to young students using something she calls a “Zoom-ball.” Two students hold handles attached to a ball, stretching and relaxing the attached rubber band to pass it between them while reciting alphabet or other concepts. She encourages educators to find creative ways to incorporate balls, and other typically PE dept equipment in the classroom.

Social

Given the chance, boys often choose competitive team sports at recess. Classroom teams have been known to get excited about group contests for math, spelling, geography or many other topics. The urgency of heightened emotion may make learning easier for some boys, but it may work just the opposite for some girls.

Non-competitive group games help children when they want to join a group but just can’t quite take the first step. Some Eau Claire Elementary Schools have offered a program called Play Fair based, in part on the book Playing to Learn, Learning to Play by Charlie Steffens and Spencer Gorin (Legacy House, 1997). The two most important things in play are People and Fun. Older students serve as group leaders at recess, setting up and facilitating the games. For more information just send me an email.

Rhythm and music as Learning Anchors

Some teachers find success encouraging students to move rhythmically emphasizing concepts, letters, sequences, or learning any list—bones of the skeleton, presidents, state capitals, maybe even the periodic table of elements. Adding music and movement boosts retention.

Hopefully, warmer weather is on the way so we can all enjoy more outdoor play. Green grass, maybe some golf? Find some time to play so you lose track of time—that’s the best!

© Sandra Sunquist Stanton NCC, LPC Connections of the Heart LLC All Rights Reserved

November Brain Buddies Blog – Music, Movement and Memories

Music and movement are keys that can open the mind for learning. We may not always think of it this way, but making and keeping memories are foundations of the educational experience.

The computer stores enormous quantities of simple, linear memories—but the brain works with vastly more complex networks with pieces all over the brain. Each memory has an emotional component, a situational context, the facts, sensory tags, and connections to all previous related experiences.

That’s why music and movement are powerful partners in the learning process. Music evokes emotion, either positive or negative. Feelings trigger the release of powerful neurotransmitters. When it’s good, learning sticks. Keep it light. Any sense of threat will lead the brain to barricade similar experiences in the future. Music can signal transitions, set a calm environment, or energize students for movement and memory. 

Movement engages the vestibular system, adding richness to the memory, increasing the likelihood of recalling it later. Through repetition and practice, skills and information (times tables, sight words, riding a bike, driving a car) translate into automatic skills that the cerebellum (or little brain) stores for quick retrieval when needed. Movement with music serves as glue to make learning stick.

To keep minds active, have students come up with their own rhythmic movements or raps to reinforce the concepts you are teaching. Fun helps kids learn Try having them move arms and legs across the midline while seated, move around the room, or—for an extra oxygen boost—get them moving outdoors. Move it to learn it!

Please add a comment to let us know how you use music and movement as tools to support your students’ learning. 

+++++++

© Sandra Sunquist Stanton MS, NCC, LPC, Connections of the Heart LLC

For additional articles and information, visit www.ourbrainbuddies.com or send an email sandi@ourbrainbuddies.com