Exer-Learning: How Exercise Can Boost the Brain
min read
There are so many reasons for kids to be active. They develop stronger muscles and bones, are less likely to become overweight, benefit from lower blood pressure and have a more positive outlook on life.
An Active Healthy Kids Australia Report Card on Physical Activity for Children & Young People recommends that "It is important that there be a focus on all the benefits accrued to children if they are physically active, not just on weight management, such as improved aerobic fitness, mental health, cognitive function and academic achievement and cardiometabolic health". (1)
Enter exer-learning. It's exactly what it sounds like – combining exercise with learning.
Check out these tips to get your kids benefitting from exer-learning,
Work Exercise Into Your Day
After your kids get home from school, get their blood pumping and their brains ready to focus on homework, with active exercise. It could be as simple as 5-10 minutes of jumping jacks, a couple of laps around your backyard, 5 – 10 minutes dancing around the house to music or 5 – 10 minutes jumping on a trampoline.
Take short movement breaks
When you’re helping your kids with homework, get them moving when they become frustrated. A short break of physical activity will help them release tensions and get their brain ready to learn and focus.
Play and learn
Incorporate physical activity into learning. Help them learn how to count by jumping or have kids run to the correct answer to a math problem. Get them learning and moving at the same time!
Math Hopper for Your Smart Trampoline
Math Hopper on the tgoma app (Springfree's Smart Trampoline technology) is the perfect way to exercise the body and brain. Kids solve math questions on the screen by jumping three times on the mushroom or image with the correct answer. It’s perfect for kids of all ages and covers math skills of all ranges. And it's all about postive reinforcement – instead of being discouraged by being told they've got a problem wrong, kids get to keep trying until they get it right – and are then congratulated!
How do you use exercise and physical activity to help kids learn? Share your tips with us in the comments!
Enjoy reading this article? Read more from our blog. Or view our trampoline range.
References:
(1) Page 8, 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children & Young People, Active Healthy Kids Australia.
