Journal 9

Activating your School: Movement-Oriented Learning
By Pete Rognli
This article describes Elton Hills Elementary school and the new form of teaching they have established. This school wants to keep students moving in the classroom. They take the different assignments and use technology keep students on their toes. “Students work on laptops at standing desks, or they can crouch on the floor. Or they can sit, squat, kneel, or stand anywhere that suits the lesson. All this technology in the classroom is designed to do one thing: keep students moving.” It is important that students experience physical education at an early age, this is a great way to keep students healthy without taking time away from in class learning. Jerry Williams, superintendent, says that having the parents on board with this new program is key because they need to “reinforce what took place during the school day.” By bringing the parents in, they can be sure that students are getting the appropriate nutrients in their lunch to go along with this healthy learning environment. Teachers use wireless internet to help in this program along with podcasts different mobile technologies. Students love this new method and equipment they are able to use. I feel this form of teaching will help many students academically and in terms of their health. This form of teaching is called “School of the future”, the elementary school is promoting this new way of teaching as much as possible because they have seen such positive changes in their students, faculty and parents. This “school of the future began in 2005 with the office of the future concept project from Rochester’s Mayo clinic….Levine wondered if the NEAT office concept could be applied to the classroom” With help from the Mayo clinic, Rochester school district, local health clubs, and Apple computers, the concept was implemented and worked wonders! Students had podcasted lessons while walking and many more great activities to be used during physical activity. This system is amazing and great tool to be used in the classroom, technology truly is a great thing to use in all aspects of teaching.
What can teachers do to try and incorporate this into the classroom?
Teacher can visit health clubs and ask about costs and possible donations of bikes, treadmills…anything they can get their hands on to be brought into the classroom. Most health clubs would love to help and a lot of the times donate as much as they can to promote this concept in the classroom.
Does this mean students will be exercising at a difficult pace or can they work out moderately while learning?
Students are only required to keep movement, vigorous movement is not necessary. Just by walking while learning helps keep a healthy lifestyle. It burns calories and prevents obesity, it will not get a student in top shape but it will keep them safe and healthy.