Thread by @JeremyFrisch

Movement and Play for Children in School.

A thread about the importance of P.E. , recess and other physical activities during the school day for children/

1. Children's first language is through movement and play which helps develop both gross and fine motor skills which are needed to be successful in the classroom.

2. Sitting still and paying attention for long periods of time requires significant static strength, balance and good posture all of which are developed through movement and play.

3. Movement and play (especially outdoor play) allows for more blood flow to the brain providing it with more oxygen and nutrients and the potential for clearer thinking and concentration.

4. Children retain information better in segments rather than long drawn out class periods...when movement and recess breaks are given it allows them to process information in small pieces and thus gain a better understanding of the presented material.

5. Movement and play is the best antidote to eliminate obesity and obesity related health issues.

6. Movement and play allow children to socially interact with one another thus strengthening peer relationships, cooperation and leadership skills.

7. Unstructured movement and play allows children to try new things, push physical boundaries and gain a better understanding of their own spatial surroundings.

8. Outdoor movement and play exposes children to sunlight and the production of Vitamin D which has both direct and indirect positive effects on learning.

9. Outdoor movement and play allows children to be loud, boisterous and messy which is usually not allowed indoors.

10.Outdoor movement and play allows those children with excess energy and anxiousness to blow off some steam which makes them feel better, calmer and more grounded in the classroom.

11. Movement and play allows children a break from the expectations that adults have for them to sit, listen and learn for long periods of time.

12. Children who engage in movement and play activities in school are more likely to engage in those same activities at home.

13. Recent research points that children labeled as ADD/ADHD actually lack certain physical skills like balance and coordination. These skills can be developed and refined through movement and play and can carry over to classroom performance.

14. Vigorous movement and play releases a certain chemical in the body called BDNF (brain- derived neurotrophic factor) that has been termed by many scientists as “miracle grow for the brain.” Move and get some!!!

15. Movements like climbing, hanging and crawling used in P.E. involves specific use of the hands that helps develop the strength needed for efficient fine motor skills like handwriting and drawing.

16. When children are allowed to build things or come up with their own games/activities they become more creative and develop better problem solving skills.

17. Children exposed to movement and play at a young age will be more apt to continue to explore movement, play and exercise as they get older.

18. Outdoor movement and play exposes children to the environment building a stronger and more robust immune system. Let them play in the dirt!

19. Movement and play often involves children running, sprinting, jumping and changing direction all of which develop strength through the lower body as well as being a tremendous form of cardiovascular conditioning.

20. If you don't already know: Children love movement and play and should be given every opportunity to do so both in school and at home!
Let them play!