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Here’s a question: Are you teaching if students are not learning? Professionals have debated this idea for generations. I will leave you to ponder this thought. For now, let’s look at some basics of learning.
Our brain was designed to question, explore and learn. We are born with billions of neurons just waiting to be connected. Each experience we have, throughout our lifetime, creates connections or pathways between the neurons. Learning begins at birth and continues until the moment we die.
In order for our brains to function effectively, it needs to have the following: exercise, sleep, oxygen, hydration (water), and food. If the brain lacks any of these, the brain will not function at full capacity. Think about students who do not receive enough of one or more of these. They are at a disadvantage from the second they step into the classroom; before instruction even begins. As educators, we have little control over sleep, and oxygen is not a concern unless a child has a lung concern, but we can assist in the remaining needs.
Food and water are basics for life. Allow students the opportunity for a snack. It’s not unusual for teachers to have a stash of snacks for students who may not have one. Many elementary schools have a snack time built into the day now, but the older children don’t always get this. Fuel is important and you may need to plan for children to have a “nibble” as they are learning. You will also want to encourage children to drive plenty of water during the day. Water is very important for the body to function properly. Keep this in mind for yourself also. Pop, juice and energy drinks are not what the body needs. Be sure to drink lots of water.
Exercise is easier in elementary than secondary classrooms. Most elementary schools have at least one recess in the day. Students should actually have more than one, but if that’s what you have then you have to work within that structure. Please don’t take recess away from a student! They need to have the opportunity to “burn off steam” and get fresh air and exercise. There is a wide body of research that supports the connection between movement and learning. Children need the time to move. There are also a wide variety of social skills that are learned on the playground. Children learn problem solving and how to enter play. This is a very important social skill. When your day just seems out of control and children are unable to focus, take them outside! It will be the best thing you can do for them and you!
It’s a bit tougher for secondary classrooms. You have very limited time, there is no recess planned and you have a lot of content to cover. A simple exercise of having students stand in one place and move their body from side to side, backwards and forwards and then jumping up and down will “jump start” the brain and help them re-focus on what they should be doing. We will talk more about this idea of movement a bit later.
There are three definitions of learning that I want you to k