Active Learning (Ch.4)

Abstract
This chapter explores the idea of incorporating some type of physical activity into the curriculum on a regular basis. It urges the reader to consider the content that must be taught, so that the activities can be tied directly into the curriculum. It explores ways to do this based on the content and what parts of the body relate and such. The chapter gives a basic list of activities that could be used including simple ones such as letting the students get up to pass in their papers (rather than collecting), Simon Says with content as the words, designing a rap song that involves the content (something they can move to a bit). The list also includes more complex examples such as using sidewalk chalk to draw a massive human heart in the school parking lot and letting the students walk through when you explain the blood flow, representing terms and concepts artistically- allowing for movement and interactions, academic Olympics, or using skits within the lessons. All of the ideas get students up and moving and more hands on with the content than usual.

Reflection
I think so many of these activities could be useful and exciting for students. I loved the idea of drawing the human heart, what a cool way for students to get to know the parts AND understand the different functions of what they are learning. By seeing and doing, I do agree that the students could benefit greatly from the extra mile the content would be taking. I have a few ideas, but was having a hard time applying all of this action into English. The chapter makes it feel possible for every subject, and I've always thought getting the students physically involved would help the content, now there is a chapter in support of that.