Connie L. Blakemore advocates for the necessity of physical education in schools in her article "Movement is Essential to Learning." She cites a large body of research from the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and education to inform her stance.
What's the story?
Movement can activate the brain. While Blakemore speaks directly to the need for physical education programs in schools, the science she presents is applicable to movement based learning. Research shows that "...Physical exercise invigorates existing brain cells and may even stimulate the growth of new ones," (p. 22). She goes on to cite a study from the California Department of Education that found a correlation between physical fitness and SAT scores - the more physically fit the student, the higher the SAT score.
Blakemore shares a list of the neurological benefits of exercise, including quicker recall, release of endorphins and dopamine, and reduced systems of depression (p. 24). Movement appears to have an enormous impact on increasing brain function.
Is it useful?
This work supports the need for movement in the classroom. Blakemore shares several quick movement activities that can be done in the classroom to assist with focus, emotional control, and more effective learning (p. 25). These movements include the cross crawl, cross lateral, and rocker - I plan to post video demonstrations of these exercises.
Conclusion
I found the science that Blakemore presented compelling. If movement and exercise truly do impact brain function so dramatically, students need to be up and moving as often as possible in the classroom.
References
Blakemore, C.L. (2003). Movement is essential to learning. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 74(9), 22 - 41.