Exercise and Learning Morgan Haddad March 10, 2015

Expressive Objectives I can incorporate exercise into my classroom. I can prepare students for tests by stimulating their brain with exercises. I can enable distracted students to engage in the classroom more effectively. I can make instruction more engaging by using active instruction. I can increase the overall health of my students by aerobic exercise daily.

How Exercise Affects Learning Creates an alert brain ready to learn (P. Nast). Refocuses attention (P. Nast). Positive affect on behavior (P. Nast).

Brings improvements to areas such as: Concentration and focus Memory Test taking Physical coordination Relationships Attitude Organizational skills (Brain Gym).

The Neuroscience Behind Exercise Exercise balances and increases the production of the neurotransmitters- seretonin, dopamine, and norepineprhine. (T. Doyle, T. Zakrajsek, 2013 and C. Lloyd). These neurochemicals help your brain: To be alert Attentive Motivated to learn Positive for learning Enhance patience and self-control (T. Doyle, T. Zakrajsek, 2013 and C. Lloyd).

Neuroscience Exercise helps build cellular infastructure through the protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that is produced inside nerve cells when they are active. John Ratey calls it “Miracle-Gro for the Brain” (T. Doyle, T. Zakrajsek, 2013 and C. Lloyd).

Neuroscience Exercise causes the development of new brain cells that form in the hippocampus, an important memory area of the brain (C. Lloyd). Growing more brain cells helps improve learning and memory (C. Lloyd).

How Much Exercise? John Ratey suggests that 30 minutes of exercise, 4 to 5 times per week (T. Doyle and T. Zakrajsek, 2013). Learning benefits last for 6-8 hours following activity (T. Doyle and T. Zakrajsek, 2013). A study from 2007 found that 40 minutes a day of exercise improved executive function in children (P. Nast).

Aerobics Activity that raises the body’s demand for oxygen (T. Doyle and T. Zakrajsek, 2013). Resulting in a temporary increase in respiration rate and heart rate (T. Doyle and T. Zakrajsek, 2013).

Heart Rate In order to do aerobic exercise effectively, you need to get your heart rate beating 60-70% of its capacity (T. Doyle and T. Zakrajsek, 2013).

How to Incorporate Exercise into the Classroom

Checking for Understanding How does exercise affect learning? How much exercise is actually needed to positively affect learning? What are some ways that exercise can be incorporated into the classroom?

Reference Page Doyle, T., & Zakrajsek T. (2013). The new science of learning: how to learn in harmony with your brain. Stylus Publishing. Lloyd, C. Exercise and the brain: health and development. Great Schools. Retrieved From http://www.greatschools.org Nast, P. Cure winter doldrums with in-class exercise. NEA. Retrieved From http://www.nea.org Brain Gym International. (2011). What is “brain gym”?. Brain Gym. Retrieved from http://www.braingym.org/about