Theme Movement

Classroom disruptions increase from the 4th hour onwards – but not after PE lessons. At the same time, pupils perform better in class after sports lessons (Raviv & Low, 1990). Now, you can’t do sport all day long, but physical activity during breaks supports the ability to concentrate. Periods of exercise during lessons also lead to a significantly better ability to concentrate (Dordel, 2003).*

Video: The teacher does not intervene during the 2-minute changeover phase.

Thinking and moving go hand in hand

Physical activity supports the cognitive brain functions.

Mental performance is higher during physical activity than during inactivity. Why is that? Dynamic aerobic work increases regional blood flow to the brain and therefore nerve growth. Synapse formation and the regional formation of new neurones in the brain are stimulated. Endorphins increase by a factor of 3 to 4. This results in pain relief and improved mood*.

Cognitive abilities are:

Perception and attention
Imagination and creativity
Learning and remembering
Self-observation
Thinking: orientation and planning, Reasoning and problem solving.

Movement in class doesn’t necessarily mean: everyone stand up, we’re doing gymnastics now! It can also be integrated on a very small scale using mobile furniture (flexible school chairs or other seating furniture that requires constant muscle movement). Different sitting and working postures should definitely be allowed, if not demanded. Active-dynamic sitting is part of active learning.

The social form in the classroom can also be rearranged several times a day – always adapted to the respective situation. The students should do this themselves – and on their own initiative.In practice, you can observe how calm and concentration set in after such a short – seemingly chaotic - phase.

Movement supports the biological functions that promote development.
Movement is an important contribution to the maturation of the brain.
Movement supports the development of the human mind.
Movement enriches social experiences.
Movement promotes motivation to learn.
Movement and action-orientated learning promotes a holistic understanding of life contexts*.

* according to Ilka Seidel, FoSS Karlsruhe: (How) can you learn better through movement?