Movement-based Learning

Movement-based learning is no more an alien concept. Instead, more and more schools across the world are embracing this innovative learning method. Using movements as a method of learning is particularly effective for children with special needs. Besides, children often develop better focus, comprehension, and organization skills through various kinaesthetic activities.

Drama, role-playing and theater are considered some good ways to learn concepts. For example, the English teacher can perform small commercials derived from the TV while teaching a new lesson or revising the old one.

If you want to implement movement-based learning in you classroom, you can take cues from these ideas:

• Encourage your students to use their body while measuring things in the room and note down the results. For instance, one of your students can measure a cabinet situated in the room using his/her knuckles.
• While teaching colors, the teacher can ask students to find a specific color in the room and touch the color. It is also possible for a teacher to inform students about a move-around system using various ‘memory cue’ words.
• At times, arm and leg crossover activities are also effective in teaching students with special needs. These activities can enable both the brain hemispheres to co-ordinate with each other in a better way. One such activity is like encouraging students to march in place while patting their opposite elbows.
• During specific times, you should allow more mobility in the classroom. For instance, you can simply ask your students to do some activities, which can force them to move their body without disturbing other classes.

In today’s time, most of the children lead a sedentary lifestyle and love binging on fast food. So, it is important for teachers to encourage students to get involved in various activities wherein body movement is required.

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