The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning Through Movement, Jan/2010

"Here is a resource that is based on sound research in neuroscience and cognitive psychology and filled with practical suggestions on how to incorporate movement into all kinds of learning activities at every grade level. The Kinesthetic Classroom is a must-have book for every educator who wants to improve student motivation and achievement."
—David A. Sousa, Educational Consultant
Author of How the Brain Learns

Discover the link between physical activity and academic success!

Current research shows that regular physical activity helps children and teenagers perform better in school. Taking physical activity beyond gym class and recess, this inspiring book shows how to integrate movement as part of classroom teaching and learning.

Drawing on cutting-edge educational research, the authors describe how regular physical movement improves attention span and helps the brain master new information. Readers will learn how to use short activity breaks to refocus students and how to enhance the academic curriculum through movement-based games. This resource includes:

1. User-friendly information on how physical activity influences the brain
2. Hundreds of movement activities that can be easily implemented in the classroom, including many requiring two minutes or less
3. Discussion of how movement can contribute to classroom management and community
4. Case studies showing how combining physical activity and academics contributes to student achievement

With an emphasis on teaching the whole child, this guide shows how movement can improve students' mental and physical well-being and contribute to their joy in learning.

About The Authors:
Traci Lengel is a health and physical education teacher in the Pocono Mountain School District. With over 16 years of experience, Lengel's knowledge in motor development, lifelong fitness, health education, and curriculum development has contributed to the success of her insightful educational programs. Additionally, Lengel is an adjunct professor of graduate education at Gratz College of Pennsylvania and The College of New Jersey. In conjunction with this position, she is coauthor/designer of two graduate courses with Mike Kuczala. These highly esteemed graduate courses, entitled Wellness: Creating Health and Balance in the Classroom and The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning through Movement, have had a profound effect on the personal and professional lives of numerous educators. Known for her innovation, enthusiasm, and work ethic, Lengel devotes a great deal of her time to her personal and professional successes. With her motivational teaching methodology, she presents and facilitates workshops for professional development programs in the areas of wellness, stress management, enhancing student thinking, and teaching and learning through movement. Her ultimate professional challenge is to inspire educators at all levels to incorporate movement into their daily teaching.

Mike Kuczala is the assistant director of instruction for the Regional Training Center, an educational consulting firm based in Randolph, New Jersey. He is the designer of Motivation: The Art and Science of Inspiring Classroom Success, a graduate course offered to teachers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Also an American Fitness Professionals and Associates certified nutrition and wellness consultant, he has coauthored two other graduate courses with Traci Lengel: Wellness: Creating Health and Balance in the Classroom and The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning through Movement. As an adjunct professor of graduate education at Gratz College of Pennsylvania and The College of New Jersey, and an in-demand keynote presenter, he regularly facilitates professional development programs in the areas of motivation, using movement to enhance the learning process, brain-based instruction, differentiated instruction, enhancing student thinking, multiple intelligences, and topics related to wellness and stress management. His entertaining and practical professional development programs have been enjoyed by thousands of teachers and administrators over the last decade.