Super Movers: Active Learning for Primary Schools

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para-Athletes Champion inclusive Movement for All Generations

Paralympic stars Ellie Simmonds, Hannah Cockcroft, and David Smith are advocating for widespread access to sports and physical activity, emphasizing inclusivity from an early age.

Ellie Simmonds OBE highlights the critical importance of programs like “Super Movers for Every Body.” The initiative aims to ensure that individuals of all abilities can participate in physical activity.

Its about empowering the next generation and fostering grassroots inclusion. Simmonds stresses that no matter one’s disability, the opportunity to move and be active should be available.

Hannah Cockcroft OBE, DL, points out that sport offers more than just physical benefits. It cultivates essential life skills such as leadership and communication.

Moreover, sport helps build friendships and boosts self-confidence. Cockcroft asserts that its positive impact extends to every facet of life.

David Smith OBE shares his viewpoint, noting that many individuals with disabilities are clever and articulate but lack competitive outlets. He is driven to make a tangible difference in this area.

Simmonds emphasizes the necessity of educating teachers and schoolchildren. This effort is crucial to ensure that no child is excluded from physical education and sports.

Cockcroft observes a common misconception from childhood: that disabled people cannot participate in sports. She advocates for early inclusivity to reshape these perceptions.

When inclusivity is prioritized from the outset, it sets a positive trajectory for life. This encourages a mindset of finding ways to include everyone.

Smith reiterates the value of sport in developing vital skills. These include communication, teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.

Simmonds concludes with an empowering message: any child can engage in physical education and sports, adapting the activities as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is inclusive movement important for children?

Inclusive movement ensures that all children, nonetheless of disability, have the opportunity to participate in sports and physical activity, fostering lifelong healthy habits and social skills.

What life skills can be learned through sports?

Sports teach valuable life skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence-building.

How can we ensure sports are inclusive for everyone?

Inclusivity can be achieved by educating teachers and children, adapting activities, and challenging the misconception that disabled individuals cannot participate in sports.

What is the role of grassroots programs in sports inclusion?

Grassroots programs are vital for making sports accessible and inclusive at a fundamental level, ensuring participation opportunities for everyone.

How does sport boost confidence in individuals with disabilities?

By providing opportunities for achievement and participation, sports can substantially enhance self-esteem and confidence in people with disabilities.

How could integrating Super Movers activities into a lesson on the water cycle enhance student understanding and retention?

What are Super Movers?

Super Movers is a fantastic initiative developed by the BBC, designed to get children moving throughout the school day. It’s a collection of free, curriculum-linked videos and resources aimed at primary school teachers and parents. The core idea? To seamlessly integrate short bursts of physical activity into learning, boosting concentration and overall wellbeing. Think of it as a fun, engaging way to combat sedentary behavior in the classroom and at home. These aren’t conventional PE lessons; they’re active learning breaks.

The Science Behind active Learning & Movement

The benefits of physical activity on cognitive function are well-documented. Here’s a breakdown of why Super Movers – and active learning in general – work:

Increased Blood Flow: Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering more oxygen and nutrients. This enhances cognitive performance.

Neurotransmitter Release: Physical activity triggers the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which play crucial roles in mood, motivation, and learning.

Improved focus & Attention: Short bursts of activity can help reset attention spans, making children more receptive to learning afterward. This is especially helpful for students with ADHD or difficulty concentrating.

Enhanced Memory: Exercise has been shown to improve memory consolidation, helping children retain facts more effectively.

Reduced Stress & Anxiety: Physical activity is a natural stress reliever,creating a more positive learning environment.

How Super Movers Integrate with the Curriculum

Super Movers isn’t about replacing lessons; it’s about enhancing them. The videos are specifically designed to link to various curriculum areas, including:

Maths: Videos incorporate counting, shapes, and problem-solving through movement.

English: Activities focus on vocabulary, storytelling, and phonics, all while getting kids active.

Science: Explore scientific concepts like the human body or habitats through energetic movement sequences.

History: Bring historical events to life with themed movement breaks.

Geography: learn about different countries and cultures through active exploration.

The BBC website provides a detailed curriculum map, allowing teachers to easily find relevant Super Movers videos for their lessons. This makes implementation incredibly straightforward.

Types of Super Movers Activities

The Super Movers library offers a diverse range of activities to suit different age groups and learning objectives:

Curriculum movers: These are directly linked to specific curriculum topics.

Number Movers: Focus on maths skills, from counting to times tables.

Word Movers: Designed to improve literacy skills, including phonics and vocabulary.

Active Assembly: Whole-class movement breaks perfect for starting or ending the day.

Classroom Challenges: Fun, competitive activities to encourage teamwork and physical activity.

Each video is typically 3-5 minutes long, making them easy to fit into busy school schedules.

Benefits of Using Super Movers in primary Schools

Implementing Super Movers offers a wealth of benefits for both students and teachers:

Improved Student Engagement: The fun and interactive nature of the videos keeps children motivated and engaged in learning.

Increased Physical activity Levels: Helps combat sedentary behaviour and promotes a healthier lifestyle.

Enhanced Cognitive Function: Boosts concentration,memory,and overall academic performance.

Positive Classroom Atmosphere: Creates a more energetic and positive learning environment.

Easy Implementation: the videos are free, readily available, and require minimal preparation.

Supports Wellbeing: Contributes to the emotional and mental wellbeing of students.

Practical Tips for implementing Super Movers

Here are some tips to maximize the effectiveness of Super Movers in your classroom:

1. Schedule Regular Breaks: Integrate Super Movers videos into your daily or weekly schedule. Aim for at least one 3-5 minute break per lesson.
2. Link to Curriculum: choose videos that directly relate to the lesson content.
3. Create a Dedicated Space: Designate a clear space in the classroom for movement activities.
4. Encourage Participation: Make it fun and inclusive! encourage all students to participate, regardless of their fitness level.
5. Use as a Transition Tool: Use Super Movers videos to transition between different activities or subjects.
6. Parental Involvement: Share Super Movers resources with parents to encourage active learning at home.
7. Adapt for Different Needs: Modify activities to suit students with disabilities or special educational needs.

Real-World Example: St. Mary’s primary School

St. Mary’s Primary School in Hampshire, UK, successfully implemented Super movers across the entire school. Teachers reported a noticeable improvement in student concentration and behaviour, particularly after movement breaks. They found the curriculum links particularly helpful, allowing them to seamlessly integrate the videos into their existing lesson plans. The school also saw an increase in student enthusiasm for learning.This case study highlights the positive impact Super Movers can have when implemented effectively.

Resources & Further Information

BBC Super Movers Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/super-movers

Curriculum Map: Explore the curriculum map on the Super Movers website to find relevant videos for your lessons.

Active Learning Resources: Search online for additional active learning strategies and