Journal #9

Activating Your School: Movement-Oriented Learning
By Pete Rognli

Rognli discusses the need for more physical activity during the school day for students. This article highlights several recommendations for physical activity, such as the 30 minute a day recommendation for the American Heart Association as well as research done by Dr. James Levine on Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT). The research behind NEAT showed that you can work your body without a sweat, and led to the project The School of the Future. With the help of wireless technology, Elton Hills Elementary was able to put this project into action and add movement to their learning. For example, students were able to listen to their lessons as podcasts while walking the track. However, Rognli goes on to say that expensive technology, such as the iPod, is not necessary to get the students moving. It is important just to add the 30 minute block of activity a day and get the school, community and parents involved to promote good health for students.

1. What activities do the American Heart Association recommend for schools to promote?
The American Heart Association recommends that schools promote students walking or biking to school as well as have a variety of intramural sports available. Schools also need to set a “mandatory” thirty minutes of physical activity per school day. This thirty minutes can be broken up into 10 minute chunks and still be just as effective as one large chunk of activity.

2. What are some things teachers can do in the classroom to get students moving without expensive technology?
The first thing teachers can do is set a goal, such as thirty minutes of physical activity every school day. Utilizing the space in your classroom can be important, which means possibly moving the desks aside for group work or other activities to provide more space for movement. Activity breaks instead of rest breaks are recommended as well as even a last minute movement activity such as a relay.