BEREA — “Are you ready to exercise your brains?”
That is how physical education teacher Kathy Todd started a first-grade class Friday in the Action-Based Learning Lab at Shannon Johnson Elementary.
The students responded with an enthusiastic chorus of “Yes,” and then took their places at one of seven stations in what is a very non-traditional physical education classroom.
At one station, the students walked on the rails of a ladder that lay on the floor. As they passed each ladder rung, they read the world placed on the floor between rungs.
As they looped back to restart the path along the ladder, the students stepped on numbered, collapsible hemispheres, whispering the numbers as they stepped.
At another station, they walked along a Figure 8 as they read words from a small flip chart.
Then they traced geometric shapes on the wall, reciting the shapes’ names, followed by walking around the outlines of other patterns on the floor.
At one station, the students sat still, rolling a softball back and forth along a straight line. They kept their heads still, but followed the ball with their eyes.
“In addition to developing hand-eye coordination, this exercise simulates the motion of students eyes as they read,” Todd said.
“Keep your eyes on the ball,” Todd told a student as she walked by.
In the room’s center, students bounced up and down as they rode large inflated balls within a giant square.
Action-Based Learning is a trademarked program developed by education researcher Jean Blaydes of Texas.
As the program keeps children physically active, its prepares the brain for input, Todd said.
As the children crawl, roll, spin, walk, jump, juggle and bounce through the stations, they develop balance, coordination, spatial awareness, directionality and visual literacy, she said.
In addition to physical activity, the challenge and feedback the students encounter in Action-Based Learning stimulate optimal brain function, according to Blaydes’ research.
Spatial awareness and motor skill practice lay the framework for reading, she states on her Web site. In addition to developing focus, the exercises have been shown to bring a lethargic or hyperactive child back into balance.
Todd said she had been aware of Blaydes’ research for years, having heard her lecture at professional conferences.
After Todd and members of the district’s Coordinated School Health Committee, including Superintendent Tommy Floyd, attended an Indianapolis presentation by Blaydes this past fall, two pilot programs were authorized.
Action-Based Learning will be introduced in a pilot program at the new Caudill Middle School this fall.
The district has applied for a grant to fund Action-Based Learning, as well as fitness labs, in all of its schools, Todd said.
“These programs, along with enhanced nutritional and health education, are part of our district’s coordinated school health initiative,” she said.
The Madison County Health Department, Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital-Berea have representatives on the Coordinated School Health Committee and have been supportive of the grant application and all of the district’s health and physical education efforts, Todd said.
“Not only are we helping to improve the health of our students, I believe the Madison County School District is poised to be a model for student health and physical education in Kentucky,” she said.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.
Homepage
Related Photos
-
Anna Julian, a first-grader at Shannon Johnson Elementary, crawls through one of seven stations Friday in the school’s new Action-Based Learning Lab.
3-2-1 Action
Students exercise brains, bodies
- Local News
-
-
Judge weighs constitutionality of legislative redistricting
Kentucky’s deadline for filing to run for legislative seats was in flux on Monday because a judge did not immediately rule on a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of newly redrawn district boundaries.
Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd said he expects to enter a ruling in the case by mid-week.
-
Couple recovering from injuries suffered in weekend house fire
A couple was hospitalized after their home was set ablaze Sunday by a spark from a cigar, according to a county fire official.
County Fire Chief Jim Cox said the city and county fire departments were called to the home at 111 Concord Road in the early afternoon. Waco Volunteer Fire Department and the Richmond Fire Department also responded.
-
EKU closes dining room at Arlington Clubhouse
A Richmond country club is no longer offering dining to members, but remains available for catered events and will be open on certain holidays.
Arlington Country Club, which has been a staple of Eastern Kentucky University for the past 40 years, laid off all dining staff late last week, according to Tom Coffey of the EKU Foundation.
-
Standoff at Super 8 Motel ends peacefully
A bizarre drug-fueled standoff at the Richmond Super 8 Motel ended peacefully with no one hurt, including a child who was in the room with a man that police found wielding two knives.
About 1:53 a.m. Friday, police received a call about a man who was threatening someone with a knife at the motel on North Keeneland Drive, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.
-
Trial for couple accused of human trafficking delayed
The trial for a Berea couple accused of human trafficking involving their daughters has been delayed.
Despite Monday morning television reports that the trial was beginning Monday, it was postponed because the attorneys are not ready to try the case.
-
Judge weighs constitutionality of legislative redistricting
- Sports
-
Model Laboratory’s Hayley Hunt drives around a Williamsburg defender Monday during the lady Patriots 69-38 win in Richmond.
-
H.S. HOOPS: Model rolls past Williamsburg
The Lady Patriots were ready to roll from the opening tip-off.
And it showed. -
H.S. HOOPS: Central pulls away from Lafayette
The Lady Indians shot just 38 percent and got out-rebounded by a wide margin, but they still found a way to pick up a victory on the road against a tough 11th Region rival.
-
OVC HOOPS: EKU returns home looking to snap skid
After losing three of their past four games, the Colonels return home tonight to play a non-conference game against Mid-Continent University.
-
H.S. HOOPS: Model rolls past Williamsburg
- Lifestyles & Community
-
-
Is MSG (monosodium glutamate) harmful?
Monsodium gluatamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer often added to Chinese food, soups, processed meats and canned vegetables. The use of MSG remains controversial despite a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) statement that it is safe. Because of this, the FDA requires that whenever MSG is added, that it be listed on the label.
- Common-sense job hunting
- It’s a love thing
-
- Viewpoints
-
-
Education a focus in Senate this week
FRANKFORT — The Senate passed several bills this week. Of these bills, three education bills are of particular importance.
- Redistricting ruling offers collateral benefits for voters and taxpayers
- In defense of southern-fried Paula Deen
-
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
