There’s a lot of research out there that supports movement for learning. They are inter-related. Need some proof? According to researcher Terrence Dwyer, exercise supports success in school. His research found that exercise improves classroom behavior and academic performance (Dwyer, Sallis, Blizzard, Lazarus, & Dean, 2001) and that even when an experimental group got four times more exercise per week than a control group of their peers (375 minutes versus 90 minutes), their “loss” in studying time did not translate into lower academic scores (Dwyer, Blizzard, & Dean, 1996). His research further revealed that social skills improved in the groups who exercised more. Other research (Donevan & Andrew, 1986) has found that students who are engaged in daily physical education programs consistently show not just superior motor fitness, but better academic performance and a better attitude toward school than their students who do not participate in daily P.E.
Wow. That’s a lot of support for movement!
And…as if that’s not enough, after reading this article and this one and this one, I’ll sure you’ll want to start incorporating movement into your therapy as well! No worksheets, no sitting, no staring into space (although NONE of our kids ever do this, right?). We’re moving out from our little table and getting down with some movement!
Check out these posts for ideas on how incorporate some into your therapy!
Come as you are. Leave encouraged.
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