At one middle school, classrooms energized by combining physical activity and academics are full of active learners.
Teacher Sara Walburg wants the fifth grade students at Mendota Heights Middle School to get out of their chairs and move around. She divided the classroom into three areas. Each area represents a branch of government. Then she asked questions about the different branches.
“This branch makes sure laws are carried out,” she said. Student moved to the corner of the classroom where the executive branch was supposed to be. “This branch makes sure the laws are constitutional,” she said. Studentsmoved quickly to the corner where the judicial branch was represented.
It may not seem like much, but the 15 minute exercise was an example of the school’s use of “Energizer” activities, combining physical activity with academics and improving learning.
“The kids love it,” said Walburg. She added that they appear more focused after a session.
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