The class moves (2002)

Children, by nature, move often and in many ways. Their pattern of movement contrasts sharply with that of adults. In the lower classes of primary school children are still at an age when they have a natural urge to move. But the spontaneity with which they present themselves often disappears gradually as they grow up. As early as age 5, the pattern of sitting down for most of the day and moving only in certain ways starts to take hold. Physical activity has to make way for cognitive activity, even though physical skills still need to develop. Many teachers recognise the need for children to move and relax between periods of sustained and concentrated work. Up to now there heave been no guidelines for using physical activity as a relief from cognitive effort. To fill this gap, The Class Moves! has been developed, a method that meets this practical need. With this method, the class is addressed collectively and in such a way that all the children are supported in their motor development. The aim is to link a child’s natural tendency to move with daily lessons. The Class Moves! calendar can be used as a vehicle for this. All the class needs to do is refer to the calendar to find an appropriate exercise at any given moment. See also http://methodes.wikiwijsleermiddelenplein.nl/detail-koepel/71873/#search=de%2520klas%2520beweegt&sortType=date&sortOrder=desc&numberOfResults=10&pageStart=1&sector=13&type=2&tr=3.