Are
you sitting down? I’m not about to break
some bad news. Rather, I’m about to encourage you to get up! If you’re like me, the last few months have
included a lot more sitting than normal. With instruction and meetings happening
virtually, we don’t even have to move from room to room. That can lead to a lot of energy-draining
time in one place.
Building
habits that increase our energy improves our effectiveness in all we do,
including our energy for learning, teaching and coaching. Movement increases energy. It gives us feelings of abundance, freedom,
and renewal. It may seem counterintuitive,
but taking a few minutes away from a task actually helps us get it done.
We
know this is true for our students, so we build “brain breaks” into plans for
instruction. Moving from the carpet to
tables, or going to a spot in the room to represent their stance on a topic,
gives students an opportunity to get the blood (and the thinking) flowing. GoNoodle is a big hit with students because
it’s fun, but it also helps them learn more.
Whether teaching face-to-face or virtually, teachers need to include
opportunities for students to move.
As
we plan professional learning opportunities for teachers, let’s also include movement. In face-to-face trainings, finding someone
from across the room for partner talk, forming new groups, or using protocols
like Wagon Wheels include movement. I like to build in a “walk and talk,”
especially in nice weather, where participants partner up and walk a loop
around the building (be mindful of physical limitations of some
participants). Even just standing up
sends a rush of blood to the brain, bringing new energy and engagement. If a training or meeting is running too long,
simply asking everyone to stand for a few minutes can help. This is equally
important in virtual and face-to-face settings.
Now,
how about you? Are you building times for moving into your day? My friends with
Apple watches get a reminder if they haven’t stood up in the last hour, but you
can do this without the fancy technology. Recently, I was meeting with a colleague
when her watch alarm went off. She
apologized but took a one-minute break to walk down and back up the stairs. I
was impressed with her commitment to herself and vowed to do the same.
If
you want to spur some creativity, apparently circles help. Making giant circles with your arms
supposedly gets the creative juices flowing and creates a sense of joy. Try it and see if it works for you! It can’t hurt, and it will at least add a bit
of activity. Moving your body exercises your brain, too.
As
you plan for the virtual and face-to-face work that you, teachers, and students
will do, including movement will increase everyone’s energy and effectiveness.
This
week, you might want to take a look at:
How
a picture walk opens conversations about books:
A
podcast about remote learning for students without internet access:
Principles
of adult learning to guide PD:
An
inspirational community-building idea:
5
ways to continue growing as a coach:
That’s
it for this week. Happy Coaching!
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@vscollet for more coaching and teaching tips!
You can also find me at VickiCollet.com
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