The more I read about studies on how the brain works, the more I realize that most teachers have figured these things out through experience. Now we just have the evidence to back it up!
Here are five things that I always keep in mind in the classroom:
We all know that children can't sit still for very long! Brain research backs that up. The average attention span is the child's age, plus or minus two. That means that my second graders shouldn't be expected to pay attention to anything longer than 7 minutes! They need brain breaks to break up those sessions. Plus movement aids learning (use gestures for the kids to mirror!) and helps get oxygen to the brain.
In fact, integrating all the arts will help with learning. Did you know that music boosts brain organization? It affects our moods and emotions. Playing music in the classroom really makes a difference. Different kinds of music work at different times. Playing slow, classical music helps kids focus and concentrate. Fun, upbeat music helps them find energy during those sleepy times of day (after lunch?) or just plain makes the kids feel good. Putting important information to a familiar tune helps them remember things. There is no end to the possibilities of music in the classroom.

Links to other posts that have more information these sort of tips:
Music for the Classroom
Plus, HERE's a link to my Pinterest board on Brain Research if you're interested in learning more!
(This is my most popular board!)
Plus, HERE's a link to my Pinterest board on Brain Research if you're interested in learning more!
(This is my most popular board!)
Wow! I'm so glad I follow you! You have SO much experience! This is only my third year of teaching! It must be surreal to think of all the lives you've touched over the years!
ReplyDeletex Serena x
Magic Mistakes & Mayhem
I LOVE THAT YOU USE MUSIC ALL THE TIME!!! Sorry for all caps, but that is how excited I am that someone else thinks the same way as me. There is hardly anytime during the day that I don't have music playing softly in the background!!
ReplyDeleteErin
The E-Z Class Follow on Bloglovin
Don't praise, excellent advice I don't think many teachers really think of. You're amazing!
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