My kindergarten guy sometimes gets in trouble in school because he can’t sit still. He’s assigned to sit in a little colored square on “the rug” when his teacher is reading to the class, and from what I understand, he sometimes veers into other kids’ squares. He spins around in his square and fidgets with his hands and feet too. Sure, this is disruptive. If all 20 kids were moving and shifting around, it would be chaotic. I get that. But moving is what these kids should be doing.

“Kids these days, they just can’t seem to sit in their chairs,” says this article. “Nor should they have to, say some innovative educators, who believe that movement and exercise help prime the brain for learning.”

New research suggests that incorporating physical movement in the classroom helps student focus and attention. And some teachers are hopping right on board, trying everything from standing desks to exercise stability balls instead of chairs. Others are working in two to three-minute bursts of exercise into the curriculum during the day. Hula Hoop math sound like fun? How about jump rope bingo? A little creativity can go a long way toward fusing education and exercise. I know my 5-year-old would love to bunny hop to his cubby and jumping-jack his way to the bathroom. Might help him sit still during story time too.

What do you think: Are you a fan of letting kids bounce around in class?

Photo by: schooloutfitters.com