Incorporating Movement into Learning Activities
Incorporating movement is a strategy specially linked to attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). According to the National Association of School Psychology, ADHD is one of the most common behavior health disorders. The effects of this disorder are typically displayed as an inability to focus attention for extended periods of time, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In order to effectively manage these displayed classroom behaviors, teachers can implement specific strategies.
Incorporating physical movement into learning activities is beneficial to students with this type of exceptionality. Alternating seatwork activities with movement activities is essential (Brock, p. 2, 2002). When physical movement will not work within the planned learning activity, some teachers find that using a resistance band tied around the feet of a chair is useful for getting movement in without distracting other students.
In a study conducted by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute, researchers found a correlation between movement- its intensity and frequency and accuracy on cognitively demanding tasks requiring strong attention (Krafft, p.1, 2015).
Incorporating physical movement into learning activities is beneficial to students with this type of exceptionality. Alternating seatwork activities with movement activities is essential (Brock, p. 2, 2002). When physical movement will not work within the planned learning activity, some teachers find that using a resistance band tied around the feet of a chair is useful for getting movement in without distracting other students.
In a study conducted by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute, researchers found a correlation between movement- its intensity and frequency and accuracy on cognitively demanding tasks requiring strong attention (Krafft, p.1, 2015).
Rather than asking the students to respond orally or through writing, ask them to respond physically by using movement. Aside from movement for students with ADHD, it has been proven that all students need to have time to get up and move, also known as "brain breaks".