Lets Move, Lets Learn

Maria Perez MS,OTR/L

“Children can learn almost anything if they are dancing, tasting, touching, hearing, seeing and feeling information”

Brain QuizTrue or False? Rote memorization is brain-antagonistic. The use of videos and lectures are anti-brain-based. Environments determine 40% of learner success. Most learners use only 5-10% of their brain. Emotion and intelligence are separate brain functions. The adult brain cannot grow brand new cells. Someone who can get the correct answer quickly is an

intelligent learner. Teaching more content per hour, per day, per week, per

year is best. Increased synapses formed in the brain lead to increased

intelligence. Teachers should start class with new content within the

first 5 minutes.  

Overview Brain/Body

Connection Research Rational Brain/Body

Connection Factors that Inhibit

Learning Examples Brain Gym

Brain/Body Connection

From birth to the age of 10 is when there is the most dendrite growth

Neocortex of the brain (gray matter has unlimited ability to form new dendrites) and to increase myelination

Brain/Body Connection Corpus callosum

acts as a superhighway allowing quick access to both sides of the brain

the more that both hemispheres are activated by use, the more myelinated dendrite connections are formed and extend across the corpus callosum

the more myelination, the faster the processing between both hemispheres and the rest of the brain

Body/Brain ConnectionCerebellum is the first sensory system to mature contains over half of all the brains neurons feeds information to the cortex it is the last place information is processed before

it is sent to the cortex more neurons leave the cerebellum and

communicate to other parts of the brain contains pathways to parts of the brain for

memory, attention and spatial perceptionBasal ganglion connects fine motor and gross motor movement,

it is a major gateway to higher cortical reasoning

Body/Brain Connection

Exercise Strengthens the basal ganglia, cerebellum and

corpus callosum connections Fuels the brain with oxygen Feeds the brain neurotrophins (high nutrient food)

which enhances growth and connections between neurons

Increase triggers of the release of BDNF which enables one neuron to communicate with another

Any movement (talking, writing, chewing, knitting) anchors your thinking

Energize

“Imagination is more important than knowledge for while knowledge points to all there is , imagination points to all there will be”

Einstein

Research 80 studies suggest a strong link

between the cerebellum and memory, language attention and decision making.

Jenson,2000 movement experiences (implicit) utilize procedural pathways and it is these pathways that produce the strongest learning

Hannaford,1995 (sensory motor integration is fundamental to school readiness)

Hillman,2009 (physical activity may strengthen children's ability to pay attention and increase reading comprehension)

Winter et al, 2007 (regular exercise breaks during the school day can be a means of raising academic standards)

Rational Brain/ Body Connection

Movement increases blood flow to the brain Releases important hormonal neurotransmitters Creates same brain activity used to develop reading

and math Decrease excess spillage of cortisol into the

bloodstream created due to stress Facilitates the flow of newly learned information to

the proper storage areas in the brain Eases information retrieval and output Movement (implicit learning-hands on learning)

increases memory pathways

Rational Brain/Body Connection

Same parts of the brain that processes movement processes learning

There is no single movement center in the brain Movement patterns allow children to access areas of

the brain where information has been stored Facilitates the flow of information to frontal lobe Movement coupled with teaching allows children to

interpret, store and recall information Better able to express oneself through output of

ideas, creativity and problem solving

Factors that Inhibit Learning

Stress-emotional state of the student Perceived threats Poor Body integration Information has been blocked from going

from the back of the brain to the front Child cannot retrieve information learned

Energize Examples

“In order to learn and remember something, there must be a sensory input, a personal emotional connection and movement.”

Brain Gym Pace

Water Brain buttons Cross crawl Hook Ups

Lazy Eights Thinking cap Elephant

Brain buttons One hand over navel- action that alerts

brain to wake up for sensory input Other hand rubs first and second ribs a

the collar bone- stimulates blood flow through carotid arteries and brings extra water and oxygenated blood to the brain

Cross crawl Touch one elbow or hand to the

opposite knee Move slowly- activates the frontal lobe Involves moment that crosses the

midline allowing full use of both hemispheres simultaneously

Hook Ups

Sitting cross legs Arms together Tongue on roof of mouth

Lazy Eights Make sure intersection of the symbol is

positioned at the midline of the child’s body

Begin at the intersection and move

counter clock wise Cross the midline Now move clockwise

Thinking cap Gently unroll your ears edges a few

times from top to bottom

Elephant Place left ear onto left shoulder Keep left arm outstretched Bend knees and more with the flow

while completing lazy eights slowly Repeat 5-7 times Switch to the right side Repeat 5-7 times

Questions