Jackie Ramirez, a 5th grade teacher at Wingate Elementary School in the Gallup McKinley County School District, NM is using movement lots more frequently in her classroom now.
When Jackie first started using Kids Focus movements in her classroom, she got good results, but she wanted more than that for her students. My first question was: how many times a day do you ask the children to move? Her answer: a few. My answer: NOT ENOUGH!!
So Jackie increased movement in her classroom and got GREAT RESULTS. Here’s how Jackie and her 5th graders poured on the juice.
Movement in the Classroom
Jackie says, “I’ve tried to incorporate more time to do the exercises more frequently. I allow about 10-15 minutes, 4-5 times per day. First thing in the morning, during reading block, during math block, after lunch, and in the afternoon are the usual times. I’ve also allowed for meditation and affirmations.”
Achieving Great Results
Jackie says, “My students are doing well. We’re always hearing good comments about how they can focus and complete projects. They’re better behaved in library, at recess, and in line. They’ve completed science projects and are in the process of completing a social studies project that we’re entering in the art fair. I’m so proud of them! Again, thank you for everything!”
Jackie’s students’ favorite Kids Focus movements are cross-crawls, lazy eights, “focused” breathing, meditating, and affirmations. And Jackie has dozens more Kids Focus movements to choose from, to keep her students on their toes. The photo shows one of Jackie’s students’ many projects.
Kids Focus Can Help Your Students Succeed! Thanks for the inspiration, Jackie. You and your students are proof positive that simple controlled movements used in the classroom throughout the day before any learning activity can help improve students’ focus, concentration, positive attitude, and overall success.
Contact Marcia Lee at solutions4kids@yahoo.com to find out how to bring a Kids Focus Teachers’ Workshop to your school. Let movement inspire your students to achieve and succeed!</p>
Kids Focus ~ Brain-Body-Balancing for Young Learners 