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The Kinesthetic Classroom
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The Kinesthetic Classroom
Teaching and Learning Through Movement

Edited by:

Foreword by Jean Blaydes Madigan



January 2013 | 176 pages | Corwin
Current research shows that regular physical activity helps children and teenagers perform better in school. Taking physical activity beyond PE lessons and lunchtimes, this inspiring book shows how to integrate movement as part of classroom teaching and learning.

Drawing on cutting-edge educational research, the authors describe how regular physical movement improves attention span and helps the brain master new information. Readers will learn how to use short activity breaks to refocus students and how to enhance the academic curriculum through movement-based games. This resource includes:

- User-friendly information on how physical activity influences the brain

- Hundreds of movement activities that can be easily implemented in the classroom, including many requiring two minutes or less

- Discussion of how movement can contribute to classroom management and community

- Case studies showing how combining physical activity and academics contributes to student achievement

With an emphasis on teaching the whole child, this guide shows how movement can improve students' mental and physical well-being and contribute to their joy in learning.

 
Foreword by Jean Blaydes Madigan
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
1. Introduction to Movement With a Purpose
 
2. The Brain/Body Connection
 
3. Classroom Management
 
4. Preparing the Brain
 
5. Providing Brain Breaks
 
6. Supporting Exercise and Fitness
 
7. Developing Class Cohesion
 
8. Reviewing Content
 
9. Teaching Content
 
10. What Matters Most
 
Resources
 
References
 
Index

"Here is a resource that is based on sound research in neuroscience and cognitive psychology and filled with practical suggestions on how to incorporate movement into all kinds of learning activities at every grade level. The Kinesthetic Classroom is a must-have book for every educator who wants to improve student motivation and achievement."

David A. Sousa, Educational Consultant
Author, How the Brain Learns

"Provides invigorating ideas to improve student learning and keep our students’ bodies and minds in shape through movement. This book will make educators rethink the importance of incorporating movement in the classroom."

Kristy Spears, Fourth-Grade Teacher
Fort Mill School District, SC

"The Kinesthetic Classroom invites educators to connect with learners in moving ways that allows the content to actively be part of them!"

Toby Karten, Author, Inclusion Strategies That Work!

"This book has completely changed my methodology of teaching in my high school chemistry classes. Through movement, I have seen more students comprehend abstract concepts while enjoying being in class."

Catherine Zavacki, Chemistry Teacher
Hillsborough High School, NJ

"This book provides educators with a framework of practical ideas and strategies to enhance the connection between learning and movement. This is an excellent resource for all educators!"

Elizabeth M. Robison, Deputy Superintendent
Pocono Mountain School District, Swiftwater, PA

"This book is a great resource for teachers looking to work movement into their classes. It is full of fun, practical activities that can be used across multiple settings with kids of various ages and skill levels."

William J. Behre, Dean, School of Education
The College of New Jersey

"Traci Lengel and Mike Kuczala provide readers with great examples of ways to get children moving, active, and ready to learn."

Teaching Young Children, Dec 2011-Jan 2012
NAEYC

Traci L. Anthony-Lengel

Traci Lengel is a Health and Physical Education teacher in the Pocono Mountain School District.  With more than twenty-six years of experience, Traci’s knowledge in movement education, kinesthetic furniture, motor development, lifelong fitness/wellness, health education, movement/technology balance, curriculum design and educational/content publication has contributed to the success of her insightful programs and consultations.  Additionally, Traci is an adjunct professor at La Salle University in Pennsylvania and The College of New Jersey.  In conjunction with these positions, she is a designer/coauthor of three graduate... More About Author

Michael S. Kuczala

Mike Kuczala has delivered keynotes, given presentations, facilitated professional development and taught graduate courses on 4 continents. His presentations, courses, books and videos have reached more than 100,000 teachers, trainers, corporate executives and parents.  He is also the coauthor of the Corwin Bestseller and Association of Educational Publishers’ Distinguished Achievement Award nominated, The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning through Movement, a book and philosophy that has changed the view of teaching and learning around the world.  Mike’s 2nd book, Training in Motion: How to Use Movement to Create an... More About Author

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ISBN: 9781412979542
$39.95