The Brain-Body Connection: Adopt Cross-Curricular Approaches in Elementary by Combining PE and Literacy

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Preparing students for the 21st century requires all teachers from all subject areas to examine their teaching practices and take a more multidisciplinary approach to learning. Physical education engages students in all three of the learning domains – the cognitive, the affective, and the psychomotor.

The Brain-Body Connection

Existing research demonstrates the importance of the brain-body connection. Exercise increases circulation to the brain, connections between neurons in the brain, the release of neurotransmitters, and the release of neurotrophic factors (BDNF), among the most notable benefits. When the brain chemistry is activated through movement, we are primed to learn and retain information better than if we were seated in a desk.

Literacy and Movement Activity Example: ABC Soccer

A foot dribbling activity incorporating spelling and vocabulary.

• Set Up: Students scatter in personal space with a ball. Lettered poly spots scatter around the playing area.

• Game Play: On the signal, students dribble with their feet around the gym to guide their ball to touch the letters that spell a given word.  Use PE vocabulary, spelling lists from the classroom teacher, or reading sight words. Or, try having students spell their name or find all 26 letters of the alphabet in ABC order.

Another example activity:

• Quarterback Scrabble – a throwing & catching activity

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