Archive for May, 2012

Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Today I am grateful for Jane Wolff, Sopris Learning, and Allison Cameron for their educational leadership. – Doc Meek

(Click on image to enlarge): Park City School, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA

THE BRAIN/BODY CONNECTION: HOW EXERCISE IMPACTS LEARNING (PART I)

This article (Part I and Part II) has been written by Jane Wolff on behalf of Sopris Learning who develop learning resources for children and schools. They offer many tools and resources including a writing curriculum and a reading curriculum.

Moving Equals Learning

Teachers and parents are constantly looking for strategies to boost learning, but what if the solution was as simple as spending more time at recess or gym? Turns out, physical activity can have a significant impact on cognitive function and academic achievement. A 2007 study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that students who increased physical activity at school scored significantly higher on standardized test scores. Numerous other studies have shown similar results.

What does exercise have to do with learning? Researchers believe that exercise may improve cognitive function in several ways. First, exercising releases “feel good” hormones, known as endorphins. These hormones promote feelings of peace and well-being. After exercise, children are better able to focus and concentrate because of this hormone release. Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, including the brain. More blood flow means more oxygen, resulting in improved brain function. Physical exercise also improves internal nutrient uptake so kids get the energy they need to learn and think.

While some schools have cut recess and gym programs in recent years because of reduced budgets or an over-emphasis on academics, many schools understand the value of exercise in school settings. For example, teachers at Lone Tree Elementary School, a magnet school in Denver, Colorado, USA, weave music and movement throughout the day. Additionally, the entire school takes a “Brain Break” mid-morning. During this time, children engage in music, movement and games, in addition to regularly scheduled recess and gym times. The staff at Lone Tree Elementary understands that children learn through movement and activity.

At City Park school in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA, resource teacher Allison Cameron has been providing leadership for many years, before other schools took up the challenge. Here is City Park school’s description of their current program, “Movement Matters”:

Movement Matters

(Click on images to enlarge): Students in Allison Cameron’s class at City Park School, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA, stride purposefully on treadmills provided by a fitness expert; by walking briskly to get their heart rates into the “training zone” these students can focus and do schoolwork meaningfully for 2-3 hours, an impossibility prior to the introduction of the exercise program.

Movement Matters is a science-based program, designed to enhance mental focus, retention and cognition through specific physical activities before class instruction. By enhancing oxygen and blood flow through the brain and body for a specific pace and time benefits the:

– Body by allowing stored body fat to be accessed as the preferred fuel source.

– Brain because collateral circulation potentially multiplies brain cells and enhances cognition when a learning stimulus is offered immediately following the session.

– Spirit because neurochemicals are released enhancing mood and focus which leads to greater self esteem, classroom compliance, and the reduction of disciplinary issues.

The aim is to provide a simple and inexpensive solution to reduce children’s exposure to chronic diseases, while fostering lifelong fitness habits, enhancing academic performance, and reducing absenteeism and disciplinary issues.

The approach is that it gets all kids active, not just the athletically inclined; instills lifetime health and wellness benefits of physical activity; exposes kids to the fun and long-term benefits of movement; and integrates Physical Education with other academic subjects.

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A big thank you to Jane Wolff for her great tips for parents and teachers about movement and learning, and to Sopris Learning for their great reading and writing programs, and to Allison Cameron for her pioneering work with movement and learning!

Doc Meek, Wed, May 23, 2012, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA

Thursday, May 17, 2012. Today I am grateful for the United Nations “Girl Up” program, which helps girls worldwide to become educated adults and educated mothers. – Doc Meek

“Uniting Girls to Change the World”

Hi Girls,

My mother is one of my biggest supporters and always encourages me to live out my dreams.

When I heard about the challenges other girls face around the world, my dream became to make things better for them.

Unfortunately, many girls in developing countries never get the chance to live out their dreams.

One in seven girls in these countries is forced to marry before she’s 15 years old — robbing her of the chance to go to school, making her more vulnerable to violence, and putting her at risk for health complications.

On Mother’s Day, and all days, share this email with a woman you care about in your life — together you can say I DO take a stand against child marriage.

Show your support by signing the Girl Up petition to end child marriage.

By signing on you are saying I DO want girls around the world to have the chance to live their dreams.

Because together we are stronger,

Avery McCall
Girl Up Teen Advisor

Donate | Unsubscribe

© United Nations Foundation | 1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036

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Doc Meek, Thurs, May 17, 2012, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA

Sunday, May 13, 2012. Today I am grateful for my mother (92 years old), and for mothers everywhere. Let’s face it, mothers are what makes the world work. – Doc Meek

My mother, with grandchild, as if in an ancient culture

TO ALL THE MOTHERS…by Autumngirl24237,971 views

Here is a guest newsletter from Simran Khurana:

Quotations

From Simran Khurana, your Guide to Quotations On Mother’s Day, indulge your mother with gifts and greeting cards. She may not admit it to you, but she loves being pampered. Shower her with presents or take her out for a day of celebration. It is your turn to look after her needs, so do the best you can. Mom Quotes As a child, I never understood my mother’s greatness. Today, as a mother, I realize how large-hearted my mother is. These mom quotes are dedicated to mothers. See More About:  mom quotes mother quotes mother’s day . Mother’s Day Quotes Behind every successful leader, is a great mother. It is rightly said that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. See More About:  mother’s day quotes quotes on moms parenting quotes . Motherhood Quotes From the moment the mother conceives a baby, her heart is no longer at ease. She constantly worries about the welfare of her child, even when her child is a fully-grown adult. We call this ‘motherhood.’ See More About:  quotes on moms parenting quotes greeting card quotes . Mother’s Day Salute the spirit of the mother, who sacrificed her child at the altar of patriotism. Only a woman of mettle who embraces the entire nation as her own offspring can devote her child to serve for the defense of her country. See More About:  mother’s day quotes motherhood quotes appreciation quotes . Quotations Ads Inspirational Quotes Life Quotes Birthday Quotes Mothers Day Quotes Funny Quotes Featured Articles Inspirational Mother’s Day Quotes Quotes About Mothers Short Mother’s Day Quotes Witty Mother’s Day Quotes Cute Mother’s Day Quotes Mother’s Day Quotes From Daughter More from About.com Bake Sale Bestsellers Make your next bake sale a profitable one with these irresistible recipes. More> Macaroni and Cheese Oodles of delicious macaroni and cheese recipes, from old fashioned classics to spiced-up versions. More> This newsletter is written by: Simran Khurana Quotations Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum

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Thank you, Simran Khurana, and mothers everywhere for your dedication and faithfulness to the next generation!

Doc Meek, Sun, May 13, 2012, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA

P.S. Pat Wyman, of HowToLearn.com, sent us “A Beautiful Song for all Mothers” in my last year’s blog on Mother’s Day:

“A beautiful song for all mothers.” ~ Pat Wyman

Saturday, May 12, 2012. Today I am grateful for those who created time and energy to honor teachers in novel ways during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 7 – 11, 2012 in the United States)! – Doc Meek

EnlargeYfat Yossifor | Mlive.com Students walk in the hallway past the doors for the main office and principal’s office that were decorated for Teacher Appreciation Week at Mackensen Elementary School in Monitor Township. Mackensen Elementary teachers surprised by decorated door for Teacher Appreciation Week gallery(7 photos)

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Images and text above and below from:

http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2012/05/volunteers_transform_doors_at.html

Volunteers transform doors at

Mackensen Elementary as part of

Teacher Appreciation Week

Published: Friday, May 11, 2012, 3:05 PM     Updated: Friday, May 11, 2012, 3:06 PM

By Zachary Reichard | zreichar@mlive.com

MONITOR TOWNSHIP, MI — When the teachers at Mackensen Elementary stepped into the building on Monday, they were floored by the doors.

The doors to each of their classrooms had been decorated, expressing gratitude to the teacher for the hard work and support they give to the school, 5535 Dennis St.

The designs, different for each teacher, were part of Teacher Appreciation Week. Volunteers at the school spent Saturday putting up the decorations, which were made by a parent of a student in each teacher’s class. Rosie Detzler is the volunteer coordinator at Mackensen, said they planned the project for about five weeks and the teachers had no idea.

“Everything was done by volunteers,” Detzler said.

The payoff was Monday when the teachers came to the school. Some of the teachers were overcome with emotion when they saw the work done.

“It was very overwhelming,” said Maureen Taylor, a kindergarten teacher at the school. “After looking at it, I went into my room to compose myself.”

Total, the volunteers decorated 21 different doors in the school,

Dan Snover teaches fourth grade at the school and coaches little league. His door was covered in baseball themes, including logos of the Atlanta Braves, a team Snover spent three seasons with during his baseball career. He said he was “totally surprised” when he came in Monday.

“It makes you feel proud of what you’re doing,” Snover said.

Other designs included astronauts, flowers, soccer, bees and baking.

First grade teacher Tracy McMartin said they plan to keep the decorations up as long as possible.

“I don’t ever want to take them down,” McMartin said.

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Thank you, Rosie Detzler, volunteers, parents and students at Mackensen Elementary, for honoring teachers in such a heart-felt way!

And a grand salute to Zachary Reichard, who wrote this story for us all, and Mlive.com for publishing it for us all!

Doc Meek, Sat, May 12, 2012, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA

Thursday, May 10, 2012. Today, I am grateful for parents, teachers & students who endure.  – Doc Meek

Do You or Your Student or Your Child Have Reading Difficulties or Learning Difficulties? 

What if you are smarter than you think?

Einstein had overwhelming learning difficulties at school, and look at the creativity and accomplishment he brought to his life.

Click for image of Einstein: http://www.ideachampions.com/weblogs/archives/2011/09/the_timeless_wi.shtml

A series of articles to help mothers, teachers & students with reading problems is at: docmeek.com/mothers

Doc Meek, Thurs, May 10, 2012, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA

“What if you are smarter than you think?”

         https://docmeek.com

THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE, INC.

CANADA: Dr. Meek (587) 400-4707, Edmonton, AB

TONGA: Mele Taumoepeau, P.O. Box 81, Nuku’alofa

USA: Dr. Meek (801) 738-3763, South Jordan, Utah

For optimum brain health, ensure your heart health: