Introducing - Learning On The Move Blog

Getting Here

In their book, Understanding by Design, Jay McTighe & Grant Wiggins encourage us to design a curriculum that connects students to big, enduring ideas and strive to help students build skills, knowledge, and understandings transferrable to life outside of school. In his books, Eric Jensen helps us understand how to "Teach with the Brain in Mind" planning learning experiences based on neuroscience so that what we teach is more likely to be learned. With Conscious Discipline training, writings, podcasts, webinars, and resources, Dr. Becky Bailey inspires us to use a brain-state model of classroom management that lays down a foundation of safety, connection, and problem-solving and allow children the time needed to develop the skills necessary for self-regulation and resiliency. And, with her work with children and through her writing, Carla Hannaford helps us understand “…why learning isn’t all in your head,” and urges us to build “Smart Moves” into our daily work with children to better meet the needs of each unique learner. For years, as a physical educator, I worked to weave together and apply all that I have learned from these and other educators to design and deliver learning experiences based on the science of of how the brain and body learn best. During that time, as I worked to help children build the skills, knowledge, and understandings necessary to lead healthy, active lives, I also began connecting with classroom teachers to develop ways to "move more content," honoring the whole child in the learning process. As I continued to work for more connected educational experiences for my students, I developed From Fire to Inspire, a movement-based program chock full of connections.

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From Fire to Inspire

Beginning with the image of a single neuron, From Fire to Inspire simultaneously connects teachers to the power of weaving movement in the learning day, learners to basic neuroscience and the power they possess in the learning process, and neurons into new networks. It’s a program that uses the strength of visual memory, a movement progression for learning how to juggle, along with rhythm & rhyme to help children build an understanding of how the brain and body learn. Throughout the learning process, the images create a framework that anchors and connects all learning. The vocabulary weaves a thread that connects teachers, subject areas, and grade levels. Once in place, the fun, challenging, time-efficient, and classroom friendly physical activity energizes, oxygenates, and integrates the brain and body for enhanced learning.

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Redirection

Two years ago, after 31 years in public education, I resigned, not to retire, but to “redirect” my efforts. So, what’s a “redirect?” It’s what this teacher, who could not imagine retiring does when ready for a change. Currently, I have five goals.

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1. To introduce educators and their students to the energizing power of From Fire to Inspire.
2. To connect with and encourage teachers in all disciplines to find creative, practical, time-efficient ways to use the body and movement as the incredibly powerful learning tool that it is.
3. To continue to write and share with others the brain and body smart practices I have developed and found success in getting the most significant learning return for time-spent.
4. To continue on my path as a life-long learner and mover.
5. To continue practicing Conscious Discipline.

Each post in this blog will offer a time-efficient way to energize learners and enhance learning by oxygenating and integrating brains with movement, music, rhythm, and rhyme. I hope that you will find it helpful in getting children learning on the move!

Yours for healthy & active life-long learning,
​Liz

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