There is a new idea, called Sparks (by Dr. John Ratey) that students who did heartrate training before there toughest classes, will improve learning. This is because exercise stimulates our neural-pathways and then it creates new pathways. This should help with curriculum and behaviour. They say that Science research has shown that this program works. It is not truly cardiovascular training unless the activity is moderate to intensive for twenty minutes, but it still may help give students a helpful mind break and then they can shake the sillies out.
I tell people that going for a run is like taking a little bit of Prozac and a little bit of Ritalin because, like the drugs, exercise elevates these neurotransmitters. Exercise balances neurotransmitters – along with the rest of the neurochemicals in the brain. Keeping your brain in balance can change your life.” Dr. John Ratey, author of SPARK and co-founder of Sparking Life
This program is not meant for short 5 minute body breaks, although there is a reason for those as well.
Here are some helpful resources:http://www.shapeamerica.org/
http://www.pecentral.org/adapted/adaptedwhatis.html
http://incfit.org/node/83
We need to have a good justification for why we put students in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). You must consider what they are doing in the General curriculum and the IEP, as well. We may take a punch ball to practice dribbling skills during a basketball unit, for example. I loved the idea of using a string and a paper towel roll, to make a string bowling game. Another good activity was using foam hurdles, to snow plow crumpled up paper. They used hockey sticks through the foam hurdle to make it accessible for a student with a wheelchair.
"Wishy Washy" is an activity in which the students try to move soap suds that are hanging above them, and they get to see themselves on T.V. by using a Playstation. A die and a number mat can be used, such that a student can touch the number on the mat corresponding to the number on the die.
In the Gym, students had sleds that they used to collect toys from the floor, which involves leaning and hand-eye coordination. This was a Christmas event.
Using felt circle on the wall, students used bean bags, wrapped in velcro. The students had to attach the bean bag on the felt circle.
They used a tunnel to help keep one of the students focused. A student created a kickball course. You can even put a sock and shoe on the end of a stick, that looks like a broomstick, so that children in a wheelchair can kick a ball with the rest of the class.
Homemade catapults are great for giving students a chance to pull back the lever, and to learn when to release it.
Hula hoops can be used as a tic tac toe. A ramp can be used if it is necessary. You throw a ball into the hoops.
Using flotation device and then removing it, is a good way to teach students about buoyancy.
Using a ping pong table and ball, and blowing it back and forth is a great way to give more students a chance to play.
Change my direction is one in which a child tilts their head and then the person pushing them would steer them in that direction. It can be adapted so that they answer questions by point their heads in the right direction.
Bubble wrap is a great one for sensory development, and for developing jumping ability, as well.
Whipple balls and ping pong balls can be sent back and forth across a mat.
Power Soccer is soccer adapted for people with wheelchairs. Sometimes just putting a cardboard box over the foot petals and use that to kick an object around.
A parachute can be used to make a sensory course. It can be used by everyone.
Click a Clue can be done as a scavenger hunt, using a phone to take a picture of what they have found. Geo-cashing is another good activity.
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