14 Chapter 10 • Employing SMART Activities The Mental/Emotional Learning StateWhen Productivity Is LostA Proactive ApproachThe Benefits of SMARTSMART ActivitiesImplementation Considerations
15 Chapter 11 • Supporting a United Approach An Educational PioneerA Comprehensive Action PlanReaching the HomeReaching the CommunityFinal Thoughts: A Motivational Magnet
17 Index
Foreword
Have you struggled with the misuse or overuse of technology in your classroom? Have you wrestled with your students’ lack of movement and engagement? If so, you may have a solution in your hands right now.
As an evidence-based author, I have written over 30 books on student learning, and the majority of them share this message at least once: “Get students engaged! Move their bodies!” But how do you actually do that while at the same time teaching students who seem to like their devices more than movement, their peers, and even themselves?
The answer: Listen to these pros. The authors of The Movement and Technology Balance have artfully crafted the what, how, and why in each chapter. That’s what I love most about this book: While you can feel the enthusiasm of the authors, the why you might care and the how to take action are clearly evident in every chapter.
Traci and Jenna thoughtfully walk you through the most commonly held assumptions about technology. You’ll get deep, personal questions and practical suggestions that will save you from one to three hours a day. That’s the kind of real-world impact I like!
Just as importantly, you’ll get movement strategies, mindsets, and tools that you can use with little or no practice. You’ll also discover the evidence that blows away every single excuse not to incorporate daily movement with your students.
Reading this book is vital. It’s more than just research and practical applications. It is your resource for rethinking sloppy habits, making better curriculum and engagement decisions, and becoming a far better educator.
We all know that technology is not going away. We also know that physical activity is more than a good idea; it is a core part of health, brain function, and vitality. If you’ve ever wondered, “How on earth am I ever going to do my job, juggling engagement with technology?” the solution is between these pages. Jump in and start reading!
Eric Jensen, PhD
Educational consultant and author of the bestselling books
Brain-Based Learning, Teaching with the Brain in Mind and Poor Students, Rich Teaching
Acknowledgments
A Sincere Thank You to the Following People
Jessica Allan for believing in us right from the beginning. We can’t thank you enough!
Eric Jensen for his positive energy and professional leadership and for writing the foreword.
Rose Minniti, Mike Kuczala, and Jean Blaydes Moize for their professionalism, support, and encouragement.
Mia Rodriguez and Lucas Schleicher for creating a welcoming “team approach.”
All the supporters of ActivEDge.
Ed Pinney and the Kidsfit team for believing in us and helping us to grow.
Our loving families for their endless support, dedication, and commitment.
Our dear friends for their never-ending encouragement and loyalty.
Nicole Januik, Kristen Spratford, Sarah Young, Melissa Lavell, Amy Crowe, and Mindi Andreski for always cheering us on.
Mike Kuczala for allowing us to incorporate some teaching activities from The Kinesthetic Classroom.
Tara Murphy and Dorca Serrano for their editing and feedback.
Our spirited elementary students, who have helped to shape, develop, and strengthen our teaching philosophies.
Our innovative colleagues for their brilliance, talents, and collaboration.
Our open-minded graduate/undergraduate students who share their strengths and experiences while pushing themselves to grow and improve.
Publisher’s Acknowledgments
Corwin gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the following reviewers:
Gayla LeMayTeacherWaycross Middle SchoolWaycross, GA
Dr. Debbie SmithElementary Numeracy CoachBeaufort ElementaryBeaufort, SC
Denise TranielloHigh School TeacherO’Bryant School of Math & ScienceBoston, MA
About the Authors
Traci Lengel is a health and physical education teacher in the Pocono Mountain school district. With more than twenty-six years of experience, Traci’s knowledge in movement education, kinesthetic furniture, motor development, lifelong fitness/wellness, health education, movement/technology balance, curriculum design, and educational/content publication has contributed to the success of her insightful programs and consultations. Additionally, Traci is an adjunct professor at La Salle University in Pennsylvania and The College of New Jersey. In conjunction with these positions, she is a designer/coauthor of three graduate courses. These highly esteemed graduate courses, titled “Wellness: Creating Health and Balance in the Classroom,” “The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning through Movement,” and “The Kinesthetic Classroom II: Moving across the Curriculum,” have had a profound effect on the personal and professional lives of thousands of educators. Furthermore, Traci is coauthor of the book The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning through Movement, which was published in 2010 and is a best-selling educational publication. Her most recent publications are Ready, Set, Go: The Kinesthetic Classroom 2.0 in 2017 and Classrooms on the Move: Using Kinesthetic Furniture to Create a New Age of Learning in 2018. As co-owner of her own educational consulting company ActivEDge, Traci is a consistent leader in her field. She also balances an additional career position with the company Kidsfit. This corporation manufactures and sells kinesthetic furniture while providing educational experiences for instructional usage and application for these innovative designs. These careers allow her to show others how to utilize active teaching methods in a variety of settings to enhance educational achievement and peak performance of learners of all ages and abilities. Traci travels extensively to support and promote her passion for improving the health and well-being of children all over the world while bringing learning to life. Known for her enthusiasm, innovation, work ethic, and passion, Traci devotes much of her time to both her personal and professional successes. With her motivational teaching methodology, she presents and facilitates professional development trainings and workshops. Traci provides keynote presentations for active education along with meaningful programs in the areas of movement/technology balance, wellness, stress management, and teaching/learning through movement in a kinesthetic classroom. Her ultimate professional challenge is to inspire educators at all levels to incorporate movement into their daily teaching. Traci’s greatest joy is the unconditional love and support she shares with her family and friends. She is kindhearted and committed to bringing fun and laughter to education and the people who share her journey. Traci is persistent and dedicated and leaves a lasting impression.