Presented By: Katie Beth Collier Arkansas State University Integrating Physical Activity into the Classroom

1.Provide appropriate developmental and skill level activities.  The type of activity you use should depend on the level of your students. 2.Integrate classroom subject matter with movement.  Movement should not be the focus of the lesson, only meant to enhance it. 3.Identify, modify, and eliminate activities that consent to negative attitudes toward movement.  Activities that do not promote a positive attitude or environment will not be tolerated. Objectives

Developmental Level ▫ In all aspects of life, not just academic, students are on different developmental levels. Therefore, it is vital to incorporate activities that are on an appropriate level for each student. Skill Level ▫ Similar to students’ individual developmental levels, skill levels also differ widely. Here, we have to take into consideration students that have any disabilities that could hinder their performance with the integrated activities. Objective 1: Level Appropriate Activities

Adding movement to everyday lessons can be done easily and seamlessly. There are resources out there that offer multiple pre-made lesson plans for integrating movement into subject matter while still following the state standards. Movement can be added to: ▫ Mathematics ▫ Science ▫ Social studies ▫ English ▫ Health related topics Objective 2: Integrate Subject Matter with Movement

As instructors, it is our duty to facilitate a positive learning environment for all students. While integrating movement into the classroom, our goal should be no different. ▫ We should strive to eliminate:  Gender stereotyping  Exclusion  Bullying ▫ We should strive to promote:  Teamwork  Inclusion  Support Objective 3: Keep a Positive Environment

Integrating physical activity offers a number of benefits to both teachers and students. For students, physical activities give them an outlet to stretch their legs, get their blood flowing, and learn in a hands-on way. Sitting in a hard chair for hours and hours does not promote a positive learning environment. For teachers, physical activities give you an opportunity to reach out to your students in ways you might not have ordinarily considered. The physical activities allow you to witness your students’ learning directly. Why do we need to integrate physical activity?

Inspires creativity Helps students develop motor skills Helps students develop social skills Promotes emotional health Promotes physical health What are the benefits of physical activity?

When students are allowed to get out of their seats, they are able to express themselves creatively. Creativity is lacking as students get older and older, so it is important for teachers to allow the students time to express their creativity. It is advised that the teachers allow the student free reign over what is being learned during the physical activities. When the child takes full responsibility for his/her learning, it is called free exploration. Teachers are encouraged to create learning opportunities for non- competitive, success-oriented creative experiences for their students. Inspiring Creativity

Motor skills are indispensable for all children. Having finely developed motor skills allows for students to become skilled movers. The more skilled the mover, the more confident the child. It is critical that we integrate physical activities so early in the classroom because students learn 75% of their motor skills by the age of 12. Motor Skill Development

Social skills, like motor skills, are essential to the development of children. Having properly developed social skills teaches the students to interact with others, how to behave, and how to cooperate. While integrating physical activities in the classroom, the teacher should introduce topics such as teamwork, responsibility, active listening, taking turns, staying on task, and sportsmanship. Lack of social skills lends itself to lack of academic proficiency. Social Skill Development

Allowing students opportunities to participate in physical activities in the classroom creates a positive atmosphere that is very beneficial to their emotional health. Physical activities help the students’: ▫ Self-esteem/confidence ▫ Independence ▫ Behavior ▫ Emotional expression ▫ Reduce stress, depression, and anxiety Emotional Health

In this day and age, children are not getting nearly enough physical activity as they need to live a healthy lifestyle. Physical inactivity has lead to an abundance of obesity problems among children. Physical activity in the classroom exposes students to new types of physical activities while also supporting their education. Students need at least 60 minutes a day, every day for exercise and physical activities Benefits of movement: ▫ Release of endorphins ▫ Having an active brain (stimulates knowledge and learning) ▫ Instills a positive physical activity routine and habit that they are more likely to carry on into adulthood Physical Health

Title of Lesson: “Tail Wagging Spelling” Grade level and curriculum: K-3 rd grades – Spelling Purpose ▫ Students will get their bodies moving while learning spelling words. Materials ▫ Spelling words on flash cards ▫ Die or dice ▫ Long socks (“tail”) Procedure ▫ Students will be in groups of 6 students and arranged in a semi-circle. ▫ Each student will be given a number that corresponds to a number on the die. ▫ When their number is rolled, it is their turn to participate in the activity. ▫ Each student will have a long sock tucked into the back of their pants, or tied around their belt loop. ▫ When it is their turn, the students will take a spelling word card and spell the word with their “tail” and the other students must guess what he/she is spelling. Example of Integrating Movement into a Lesson

Integrating physical activities and movement in the classroom is beneficial to both students and to teachers. It gives everyone a sense of accomplishment as well as promote creativity, motor skill and social skill development, and promote emotional and physical health. Integrating movement can be done easily across the curriculum. Summary

Keto Vangelist – Brian Williamson sugar-and-obesity/ sugar-and-obesity/ Dean, B. (2009). Academotion. Lewiston, NY: Kendall Hunt Publishing References