There numerous media campaigns inciting kids and families to get outside and move. As I’ve been doing some author visits as part of “March is Reading Month” celebrations, my experiences this remind me how important indoor movement is for young learners, too.
As an adult, I get itchy and twitchy when I have to sit still too long in a seminar. Imagine my sympathy for the kids at some of my visits to elementary schools! They often have to sit on hard wood or concrete floors for 45-minutes or so while I talk about the writing life and share my books. I incorporate interesting props and sometimes a song or two to help engage the kids, but what they really need is to stretch their legs.
During my visit to the Perry Child Development Center in Ypsilanti this week, the staff did something that helped the kids get out their wiggles and focus their brains: they had them get up and move.
Mid-way through the sessions and again at the end, physical education teacher Vincent Levigne put on a music & movement CD. It wasn’t disruptive or disorderly. In fact, it was the opposite—what a delight to watch 100 kids paying 100% of their attention to moving their bodies correctly to “the robot dance” or a song called “I read a book!” And what pleasure on their little faces! After a single song, the kids were able to sit back down, completely refreshed and re-focused.
It was a stark contrast to some schools I’ve visited where teachers forcibly removed fidgety kids from the group. I know they are trying to be helpful/polite to me, the speaker. But I don’t think author visits should benefit the author, they should benefit the kids. I don’t want to teach kids how to be a quiet, passive, audience. I want to show them how engaging with the world can lead to an exciting and rewarding pastime or even career. Hats off to Media Specialist Diane Bunge and the staff at Perry who make teaching choices that keep kids their number one priority.
What does this mean for GH parents and teachers?
- Gretchen’s House programs have always encouraged kids to move, indoors and out. Though the sight of kids moving around the room during instruction may look disorganized to outsiders, it actually helps many kids stay engaged.
- If your KG or first grade child is fidgety, make sure s/he get movement breaks when working on homework. Wiggly kids often do better staying on task if they are allowed to stand rather than sit at the desk.
- If your family will be doing an activity that requires sitting still and paying attention for a long stretch (for example movies, weddings, or church), make sure your kids get time to move before, during and after the event. Even a brisk walk down the hall can help.
--H.V.
