Get Kids Moving To Get Them Learning
Kate from I Think Therefore I Blog mentioned in the comments of this post that her son learns best when he gets his whole body involved. (It’s a great post, by the way, for any homeschoolers or those thinking about it to read). I thought this was a great idea that I wanted to share a bit more on, and I hope Kate chimes in too.
Kids are born to move. They roll, they crawl, they walk, they run. And all the while they are absorbing information like super-sponges. When kids need to move they need to move. Being stuck sitting, whether that is a school desk or the kitchen table, often slows them down. Yes there are kids who learn better in a calm manner, and all kids will have times when they prefer to be still. But getting them up and moving when they want and need to is a great way to keep the blood flowing and keep their brains engaged.
That is one of the things I really love about Enki Education, they utilize movement in learning. Taking walks, getting active, clapping out the multiplication tables, those are all ways that kids are learning while moving. It’s a wonderful way to help kids get into what they are studying. Even parents who use public or private schools can still utilize moving around in the evenings while their children do homework or when helping their children study.
learning, kids, education, fun
October 17th, 2007 at 6:26 am
I’ll need to check this out. My oldest is getting ‘itchy’ sitting at the table, even for a short while.
October 17th, 2007 at 7:16 am
My kiddos learn best when lying on their back, feet propped up. Is it the blood rushing to their head?
October 17th, 2007 at 8:52 am
If my kids are trying to memorize something - a poem, spelling words, a list of something interesting … we play a little game where I give them something to say or spell. If they are correct, they move from one chair in the dining room to the next … or they take a giant step through the house. The goal is to get around the table, or to walk from one end of the house to the other (or end up outside). They LOVE doing this!
October 17th, 2007 at 9:07 am
My oldest turns into a ping pong ball bouncing all over the living room when we are working on memorizing scripture. He seems to do better while he’s bouncing around. Even though the bouncing drives me bonkers, I know he needs movement.
October 17th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Thanks for the link, Summer! I’d never thought about having him clap the multiplication tables. We’re just starting to learn those, so I’m definitely going to give that approach a try. Love the ping-pong ball idea of Tanya’s, too!
October 30th, 2007 at 6:12 am
[...] a short 6 minute workout can make all the difference. And it certainly helps our kids. Getting them up and moving keeps them calmer and more alert, and is certainly better than watching TV all [...]
November 2nd, 2007 at 10:02 pm
[...] cool outside, with a jacket on it’s bearable. I think Mom is Teaching’s post about getting kids moving to get them learning is onto [...]
January 7th, 2008 at 5:42 am
[...] of others doing this to learn multiplication tables as well. And my favorite part is it involves movement while learning, something that I think kids need rather than sitting still at a [...]
January 9th, 2008 at 9:13 am
[...] You could do a unit on drums or even a lesson on communication. It is also perfect for another movement in learning [...]
February 9th, 2008 at 9:22 am
[...] am a huge believer that movement helps a child to learn. Not all children, many do require stillness and calm to absorb what they are studying. But from [...]
February 11th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Brain Gym is a great way to marry movement and learning. It is designed to get the left brain talking to the right brain and other useful stuff.
February 12th, 2008 at 8:31 am
[...] If you have any tips, ideas, or hacks to make homeschooling easier let her know. I have several to add, I just haven’t had time to email her yet. I know, I know! Must make time for the [...]