Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2018 Issue
By Sean Blackmer
After teaching at an alternative middle school for the past four years, the one thing I constantly hear from new students is: “We can move around in your room and not get in trouble? My old teacher never let me do this!” Whenever I hear this, I’m excited that students now have more freedom in my classroom. But at the same time, I’m also aware of the hundreds of students still sitting in class all day long.
When I talk about how any teacher can incorporate movement, I’m often met with skepticism. What we seem to have forgotten, as teachers and as a society, is how vital movement is for both the body and the brain. We’ve become more focused on test scores and their preparation instead of the mental and physical health of our students. And yes, I am aware of how tests can have a positive effect on a student or school, but is that really our goal as educators?
Sean Blackmer is a Middle School Social Studies & Electives Teacher in Grand Junction, CO. He was the main contributor to the school’s development of a hybrid online-onsite learning program. He is currently completing his Masters in Special Education through Colorado Mesa University and will receive a certificate in Applied Behavior Analyst from the University of Northern Colorado.
