If you picture a school classroom, you might visualize rows of desks, with students sitting quietly and studiously working. But numerous studies have shown that movement and physical activity are important to help kids learn. Physical activity doesn't just help the body, it helps the brain too!
Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, engages the body's sensory systems, and activates the same parts of the brain that process learning. There is a wealth of evidence that movement and cognition are closely connected.
At Rivendell, we incorporate all kinds of movement throughout the day. Rivendell students get lots of outside play time (an hour or more daily) as well as PE classes twice per week (once a week for preschoolers).
But physical activity isn't just something that is separate from academic work. Peek into a Rivendell classroom and you may see kids taking a "brain break" with a quick stretch, movement activity or GoNoodle video. Some rooms might have flexible seating where students can rock, bounce or lounge to keep them focused. Or students might be doing a lesson that involves standing, moving around the room and interacting with one another. Rivendell teachers have lots of creative ways to get students out of their seats and stimulate that mind-body connection.
Educating the whole child is an important part of Rivendell's philosophy, and that includes the body as well as the brain.
