Journal 9

“Activating Your School: Movement-Oriented Learning”
By Pete Rognli

This article refers to a “School of the Future,” in which physical activity is embedded into every aspect of the day, not just recess and P.E. Physical activity at the School of the Future relies heavily on a concept called NEAT: Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. Basically, this is the idea that students can burn calories and fight obesity without getting their heart rate up. The integration of wireless technology facilitates physical activity by allowing students to move freely, staying simultaneously physically and cognitively active. The author of this article highlights the importance of involving everyone in order to meet school physical activity goals: students, faculty, administrators, and parents. Technology is an important part of meeting physical activity goals at school, but it is not imperative. High-tech and expensive gadgets are not necessary. The point of the School of the Future is to fully integrate physical activity into the school day by finding a meeting point between physical and mental learning.


My Questions:

1. As a teacher, why would it be important to encourage parent involvement in a program like that at the School of the Future?
It is important to remember that students’ home lives are extremely influential. Parents have the power to reinforce what took place at school. Healthy habits should not stop at the end of the school day; they should be a part of the child’s life at home, as well. Parents have the responsibility to encourage, even enforce, healthy eating habits and physical activity outside of school.

2. What are some technology tools that I could use with my students to encourage simultaneous physical activity and learning?
Wireless technology would allow students to move around while working and learning. For example, students could work on laptops while sitting, standing, or moving to different work stations around the classroom. Ipods are another great way to allow physical activity. I could podcast a lesson, and my students could listen during periods of physical activity, like walking or jogging.