On the Move:
Does movement affect learning?
Most people probably think that it’s just the boys that can’t sit still. However, research has shown that about 50% of all students need to move often and cannot learn after they have been sitting for any length of time.
- About 25% of students can remain seated for a long time, but only if they are really interested in what they are doing.
- The remaining 25% prefer being seated to moving about. Even when these children are encouraged to move, they want to be seated.
As the academic work becomes more rigorous, teachers have a more difficult time allowing kids to get enough movement time. Yet, it is crucial that students be allowed to move so that they do not become unproductive and disruptive.
Get Them Moving
- Encourage your child to take frequent movement breaks when she is studying.
- Set-up a study schedule that alternates with activities rather than trying to cram all the studying in at one time.
- Limit TV, computer time, and other “sedentary” activities as breaks—get them moving instead!