Learning in Motion and School Health Index
Learning in Motion
The Research
Current research shows the powerful link between physical activity and learning.
- physically fit children perform better on standardized math tests than their unfit peers
- use of physical activity in the classroom improves mood, readiness to learn, and memory
The Learning in Motion Teacher Training Course
Learn more about the benefits of using physical activity during academic lessons through "Learning in Motion: Physical Activity, the Brain and Achievement" (LIM). This professional development course for teachers can be taken for graduate or in-service credit through the Rockland Teachers' Center Institute (RTC Institute) in Thiells, NY. The course prepares teachers to incorporate physical activity into existing academic lesson plans in any subject and grade level. Course participants learn about:
- brain development and learning
- developmental movement
- differentiated instruction
- how to effectively incorporate physical activity
Teachers learn how using physical activity helps students of all ages enhance their understanding of subject matter and become more physically fit in the process. By the end of the course, teachers are be able to plan and implement movement experiences in all subject areas. This integration helps students improve concentration and memory, decrease stress and increase physical fitness.
Connecting Health with Learning Certificate Program
The Rockland Teachers’ Center Institute (RTC Institute) is offering a new certificate, “Connecting Health with Learning- A Bridge to Wellness and Achievement”. In order to receive their certificate, students must complete nine graduate credits (3 courses) from a menu of courses. “Learning in Motion- Physical Activity, the Brain and Achievement” is required for this certificate.
For more information about this exciting and timely new certificate, course options, and registration, visit www.rockteach.org. There you will find all current RTC Institute course offerings using the MyLearningPlan.com link or contact Marianne Smith - (845) 942-7604, at the RTC Institute.
The following three courses are approved for this certificate program:
Yoga in the Classroom
Learning in Motion
From Learning to longevity: The Power of Food
For more information about the certificate course, view a press release.
The RTC Institute is a non-profit organization offering professional development courses and Master’s Degree programs for educators, enrichment programs for students, as well as cultural activities and technology training for the community.
Quotes from teachers
“Physical activities help my students relax and refocus, especially before our ELA and math tests.” 4th grade teacher
"Now I am always thinking about how I can get the kids moving more. The students say my class (ESL-English as a Second Language) is fun and that it gets better and better coming here to learn. My students are more awake, more aware and remember more because I use physical activity to teach and review material with them. I can see the enthusiasm and excitement in their eyes as they are in motion, as they are learning." Elementary ESL teacher
"I now rethink how I can put motion in all my lessons - even stretching. My students who have ADD are much better after movement. I have less behavior problems now that I use more physical activity to teach new material and review what we have learned. Practicing skills such as math facts is now enjoyable for my students because physical activity is included in these practice sessions. This course changed my life and how I teach." Elementary teacher
“I realize now how physical activity is so easy to incorporate in anything I do. I’m able to teach a concept more effectively.” 6th grade teacher
Quotes from Students
“I like doing physical activity because it gets my brain constantly moving. If you get brain dead you can’t do any of the work. It helps you know things very well. I like when my teacher puts up new spelling words and makes us do movement to them!” Kevin, 2nd grade
“When my teacher does physical activity during math, math doesn’t hurt.” Lee, 3rd grade
“I was surprised when my biology teacher got us up to do an activity. I thought it was silly at first but it helped me remember the answer on the test.” Jamal, 10th grade
School Health Index (SHI)
The School Health Index (SHI) is a free assessment tool and planning guide designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for schools to create a healthier school environment. The recommendations in the SHI are derived from CDC’s research-based guidelines that identify the policies and practices most likely to be effective in improving youth health risk behaviors. For more information visit the School Health Index webpage. If you have difficulty, navigate through the CDC's Healthy Schools Healthy Youth webpage. Click the link for SHI under School Health.
