Eddy School practices movement as part of the learning process

BUSINESS PROFILE:

Movement is a required part of the learning process for children. “In order for children to learn, they need to be able to pay attention. In order to pay attention, we need to let them move.” (Hanscom, Angela. Balanced and Barefoot.com).

Recess is a must for all students. Time is of the utmost importance. Students need enough time outside to get bored, to be creative, to argue, and to make amends. They need enough time to explore, to move all parts of their bodies, to make mistakes, and to learn from them. And all of this needs to happen without teacher/parent direction. Because their lives are so scheduled, children need regular time away from programmed activities. Safely, they need the freedom to explore and create the experiences their bodies and minds need. Their brains are wired to do this if we give them the time and space to do so.

In the classroom, the option to move is necessary as well. Leonard Sax describes studies that show that boys, in particular, learn better while moving. (Sax, Leonard M.D. PH.D. “Why Gender Matters.” S.l.: Harmony Crown, 2017. Print.) Perhaps you pace when you are thinking, or brainstorm your next idea when out for a walk. Students also need this freedom. Chair-optional times, stand-up desks, and the freedom to move when working are now being seen in successful classrooms.

Encouraging this behavior, parents can advocate for such practices to be instituted in schools if they are not already, understand that productive homework time may not be sitting still at a table and provide their children with the regular opportunity to play freely outdoors.
To see these practices in action, visit The Eddy School in Newry.