Smart Moves: Learning with Our Whole Body

Smart Moves: Learning with Our Whole Body
This document explores the concept of whole-body learning, offering practical insights for parents and educators. Written by Greisy Estrella, M.Ed., an educator and specialist in diverse learning, it advocates for integrating movement, art, and interpersonal connection into education. The paper provides strategies to create dynamic, inclusive learning spaces and draws from personal experiences, classroom successes, and research to demonstrate how whole-body learning empowers every child to thrive.
Movement-Based Learning
Physical activity enhances cognitive development and learning retention
Artistic Expression
Art integration helps develop multiple learning pathways
Interactive Learning
Interpersonal connections strengthen educational outcomes
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by Greisy Estrella
 
Introduction
Every child is unique, and so is their way of learning. Yet, education often relies on rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches that fail to address individual needs. As an educator with a Master's in Special Education, I've worked with diverse learners, including children with disabilities, multilingual students, and those who struggle with traditional methods. Over time, I've realized that integrating movement, art, and interpersonal connection into learning creates profound transformations for all students.
This paper is both a call to action and a practical guide. For parents, it offers insights into nurturing your child's natural abilities at home. For educators, it provides strategies to reimagine classrooms as dynamic, inclusive spaces where movement fuels learning. Drawing from my personal journey, classroom successes, and research such as Carla Hannaford's groundbreaking Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All in Your Head, I aim to show how whole-body learning empowers every child to thrive.
My Journey: Learning Beyond Barriers
Growing Up in the Dominican Republic
I grew up in the Dominican Republic, where my earliest memories were filled with playful afternoons and important life lessons.
My Aunt's Story
My aunt—a shy girl who was deaf—watched silently as children played tag in my grandmother's backyard, unable to join.
Breaking Down Barriers
I didn't know sign language yet, but I felt the need to connect. With simple gestures, I invited her into our game, and that moment sparked a lifelong passion for breaking barriers in communication and education.
Challenging Low Expectations
Visiting her school a few years later, I was heartbroken to see her and her peers taught at a kindergarten level, even though they were much older. The teacher's reasoning? "That's all they can learn." This experience ignited my resolve to challenge the low expectations placed on children with disabilities and advocate for equitable, creative, and stimulating learning environments.
Founding a Sign Language Academy
Years later, I founded a sign language academy that uses art, music, and movement to teach children. The results have been extraordinary. For example, AB, a toddler with Down syndrome, began signing songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and verbalizing new words after just a few sessions. Similarly, Jayce, a student who struggled with emotional regulation, used art to express his feelings. By drawing his emotions, he found a healthy outlet and learned to self-regulate, improving his interactions with peers and teachers.
The Science of Whole-Body Learning
Research underscores the vital role of movement and sensory experiences in brain development. Neuroscientist Michael Merzenich explains that the brain's plasticity—the ability to adapt and reorganize neural networks—is enhanced through physical activity. This means that movement is not just play; it is a foundational component of learning.
The Role of Mirror Neurons in Learning
What Are Mirror Neurons?
Specialized brain cells that fire both when we perform an action and when we observe others performing the same action
Key Functions
These neurons form the neurological basis for imitation, learning, and empathy in the human brain
Impact on Whole-Body Learning
When children observe and imitate movements during learning tasks, mirror neurons activate to reinforce neural pathways and enhance information retention
Carla Hannaford's Work on Brain Plasticity
Cross Walks in Action
Carla Hannaford's work takes this further, illustrating how simple activities like cross walks and Brain Gym exercises can rewire the brain for learning.
Brain Gym and Breathing
I've seen this firsthand in my classroom. For example, starting the day with cross walks and breathing exercises has helped my kindergarteners regulate their emotions and stay focused. Their increased productivity after these simple routines is a testament to the power of whole-body learning.
Practical Strategies for Parents and Educators
Here are some actionable ways to integrate whole-body learning into your child's or student's daily routine:
Cross Walks: Activating Both Brain Hemispheres
Using cross-lateral movements to connect brain hemispheres
Brain Gym Exercises
Simple movement exercises to enhance learning readiness
Music and Art Integration
Creative activities that engage multiple senses
Social Play and Games
Interactive activities that combine movement and learning
Cross Walks: Activating Both Brain Hemispheres
Cross walks, or cross-lateral movements, are simple yet powerful exercises that connect the left and right sides of the brain, improving coordination and focus.
Starting Position
Stand tall with arms at your sides, ready to begin the movement.
The Movement
Lift your right knee and touch it with your left elbow. Switch sides, lifting your left knee and touching it with your right elbow. Continue alternating for 1-2 minutes.
Brain Benefits
Cross walks stimulate the brain's corpus callosum, improving problem-solving, memory, and motor coordination. My kindergarteners start each day with this exercise, combined with deep breathing, and their ability to focus and manage emotions has greatly improved.
Brain Gym Exercises
Brain Gym combines simple, intentional movements to activate the whole brain. These exercises are ideal for transitions, calming down, or energizing.
Brain Buttons
How: Place one hand on the navel. Rub the soft spots under the collarbone with the other hand for 30 seconds.
Benefit: Boosts focus and alertness by increasing blood flow to the brain.
Hook-Ups
How: Sit or stand. Cross one ankle over the other. Cross the arms, clasp the hands, and rest them on the chest. Breathe deeply for 1 minute.
Benefit: Centers emotions and improves focus, which is particularly useful for children experiencing frustration, like AB early in her sessions.
Music and Art Integration
Music and art foster creativity while helping children regulate emotions and develop social skills. Try:
Music and Signing
Sing a favorite song while signing the words. This engages auditory, motor, and visual pathways. AB loved signing songs, and her verbal vocabulary expanded quickly as a result.
Art Exploration
Encourage drawing, painting, or sculpting as a way to process emotions and express ideas. For Jayce, drawing his emotions helped him navigate feelings of anger and frustration, leading to more positive behavior.
Collaborative Creation
Group art projects build social skills while encouraging creative expression. Children learn to share materials, communicate ideas, and appreciate different perspectives.
Social Play and Games
Play builds vital interpersonal skills while enhancing learning. Ideas include:
Ball Toss Q&A
Toss a ball back and forth while asking and answering questions about a topic.
Story Acting
Act out parts of a story together, improving comprehension and engagement.
My multilingual learners (MML students), who initially struggled to verbalize their thoughts, have shown significant progress in fluency and confidence through these interactive activities.
Breaking Stigma and Embracing Diversity
Children with disabilities and multilingual learners often face low expectations, but they have immense potential when given the right tools and support. Judy Endow, an artist with autism, uses painting to share her sensory experiences, breaking barriers and building understanding. Similarly, Melissa Shang, a young author with muscular dystrophy, reminds us, "My story is not a sad one." These stories highlight the importance of embracing diverse learning styles and celebrating individuality.
Art as Expression
Creative expression helps break down barriers and builds understanding across differences
Collaborative Learning
Students of all abilities working together creates a rich learning environment
Empowered Voices
Every student has a unique story and perspective to share
The Power of Movement in Learning
Movement is not just an addition to learning; it's a fundamental component. As Carla Hannaford states, "Movement is the source of miracles." This powerful insight reminds us that physical activity is crucial for cognitive development and overall well-being.
Creating Dynamic Classrooms
Movement Breaks
Regular movement breaks help students stay focused and energized throughout the day.
Flexible Furniture
Standing desks and wobble chairs allow students to move while learning.
Active Learning
Physical activity integrated into lessons improves student engagement and comprehension.
The Role of Art in Emotional Regulation
Art provides a powerful outlet for emotional expression and regulation. By encouraging students to express their feelings through drawing, painting, or sculpting, we give them tools to manage their emotions effectively. This is particularly beneficial for students who struggle with verbal expression.
Music as a Learning Tool
Music engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, making it an excellent tool for learning. Incorporating songs, rhythms, and musical instruments into lessons can enhance memory, improve language skills, and boost overall cognitive function.
The Importance of Social Play
Social play is crucial for developing interpersonal skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Games that involve cooperation, communication, and problem-solving help children learn to navigate social situations effectively while also reinforcing academic concepts.
Adapting Strategies for Different Learners
While whole-body learning benefits all students, it's important to adapt strategies to meet individual needs. For example, a student with physical disabilities might need modified movements, while a student with sensory sensitivities might require a quieter environment for certain activities.
Inclusive Learning Environment
The Role of Technology in Whole-Body Learning
Technology can enhance whole-body learning when used thoughtfully. Interactive whiteboards, motion-sensing games, and virtual reality experiences can provide immersive, movement-based learning opportunities that engage multiple senses.
Parent Involvement in Whole-Body Learning
Parents play a crucial role in supporting whole-body learning at home. Encouraging active play, providing art supplies, and engaging in movement-based activities together can reinforce concepts learned at school and promote a lifelong love of learning.
Assessing Progress in Whole-Body Learning
Traditional assessments may not fully capture the benefits of whole-body learning. Educators should consider alternative assessment methods, such as performance-based tasks, portfolios, and observations, to evaluate student progress more holistically.
Performance-Based Tasks
Students demonstrate learning through active demonstrations
Student Portfolios
Collection of work showing progress over time
Teacher Observations
Direct monitoring of student engagement and growth
Professional Development for Educators
To effectively implement whole-body learning strategies, educators need ongoing professional development. This can include workshops on Brain Gym techniques, training in arts integration, and courses on adapting movement-based activities for diverse learners.
Brain Gym Workshops
Hands-on training in movement-based learning techniques
Arts Integration Training
Learning to incorporate creative movement into lessons
Adaptive Movement Training
Developing inclusive movement-based activities
Advocating for Whole-Body Learning
Educators, parents, and community members can advocate for whole-body learning by sharing success stories, presenting research findings to school boards, and collaborating with policymakers to promote more holistic educational approaches.
Conclusion: Moving Toward a Brighter Future
Movement, creativity, and connection are not extras—they are essential to learning. Cross walks, Brain Gym, music, and art can transform the way children learn, unlocking their full potential in ways traditional methods cannot.
As Carla Hannaford reminds us, "Movement is the source of miracles." Let's create classrooms and homes where those miracles can happen for every child.
Movement
Physical activity energizes learning
Music
Musical expression enhances cognition
Creativity
Art develops whole-brain thinking