Every student can access the curriculum when teachers use brain-based strategies that increase learning and achievement. When teachers use brain compatible techniques in lessons, students are more apt to pay attention, recall information, and delve into higher levels of thinking.
Movement has been found to improve creativity, memory, and reaction time in children.
Some simple ways of merging movement with classroom lessons are having students stand or change seats. Teachers can take their students outside or to a different room, or lead the class in stretches, yoga, or dance. Certain movement activities are conducive to specific content areas. For instance, to help students remember different adverbs, teachers can ask students to move around the room as they call out, “Skip slowly”, or “Walk faster”. For math or science, students can pass a ball to one another as they review certain problems.
Along with movement and exercise, proper hydration improves memory, attention, and may help relieve stress and lethargy. An easy way to keep students hydrated is to allow them to keep a bottle of water on their desks during the school day. Once the teacher explains the proper procedures for refilling bottles, letting students drink throughout the day usually has no downside.
Finally, collaborative learning, also known as cooperative learning, has been shown to be an effective tool in reaching all learners, regardless of sex, age, or ability. It allows all students to give an opinion and share ideas in a group setting. Collaboration can take place between two students (known as pair and share), two teachers, groups of students, as well as between the school and community. What is now known about the importance of brain-based activities can help students reach their academic and social goals.
Hanuri Learning is located at 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Suite 10 in Valencia. For more information, please call 844-READ-SCV (732-3728).