The brain needs to be oxygenated every 15 to 20 minutes and the
best way to accomplish that is to “get off your seat and onto your feet.” When we
physically move, we are sending blood and glucose to the brain, thus providing
much needed oxygen and nutrients that help the brain to retain information,
improve concentration and focus attention.
So start your day or intersperse throughout the day five different
stretches or exercises.
As you lead each
movement have the children count out loud to five.
For example, start out with five Toe Touches.
Instruct children to bend over at waist and touch their toes as they say,
“One.”
Then say, “Up,” as children raise
their arms over their heads.
Then say,
“Two,” as children bend over and touch their toes again.
Continue until you have completed 5 Toe
Touches.
Ask the children to show you
with their fingers/hands and shout out loud how many Toe Touches they have
completed.
Ask the children what other
exercise they can do five times.
Here
are some suggestions --
Tummy Twists -- hands on waist as children twist from side to
side 5 times
Arm Circles -- arms out to sides and make big circles while
counting to 5
Jog in Place 5 Miles -- children count a slow but steady and loud
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Jumping Jacks -- arms at sides, feet together.
Jump up while spreading arms and legs apart
at the same time.
Lift arms to ears and
open feet a little wider than shoulder width.
Clap or touch hands above head.
Return from jumping up by bringing arms back down to side and feet back
together.
Continue with 4 more jumping
jack repetitions.
Remember, after each exercise, to ask the children to show you
and tell you how many exercises they did.
It reinforces learning and perhaps will encourage you and the children
to include some physical activity when waiting for the next activity or
including throughout your day a much needed “brain break!”
