Using the body to acquire knowledge activates the neurological pathways of the entire body-brain.
Your Body IS YOUR Brain!
Moving Knowledge is the inclusion of kinaesthetic and somatic learning in the classroom. It normalises movement as a form of learning, physically engaging with information and the expression of the understanding. Knowledge is gained through the activation of the neuropathways and translated into comprehension. Physical engagement allows for a full body learning through experiencing rather than a passive listening & watching learning. Moving Knowledge facilitates a deeper learning and empathy for the information encouraging an emotional connection to the learning.
A moving curriculum provides students with opportunities to
- Communicate information, ideas, understanding and emotions
- Develop an empathetic connection to the learning
- Opening neuropathways that connect the body memory with the mind
- Engage physically with learning – supporting body health, well-being and mind-body connections
- Develop critical thinking skills through the creative process of sequencing and building dance
- Develops the qualities of co-operation, respect, team building, social intelligence and emulates society/business environments.
Dance and movement is scientifically proven to reduce stress levels – dancing releases a natural hormone that supports the emotion of ‘Happiness’.
Movement and Somatic intelligence can be activated within different facets of the curriculum. It is not intended to be ‘flooding’ the curriculum but complimenting the curriculum with some movement engaging aspects.
Somatic Intelligence is the integrated intelligence of the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Somatic Intelligence is concerned with developing the human capacities of:
- Centred presence
- Resilience
- Handling pressure and stress
- Awareness and mindfulness
- Working with energy
- Wellbeing
- Tapping into mind-body intelligence/intuition
Dance does not need to be seen as yet another subject to be covered by an already crowded curriculum. Movement is a natural organic process of understand self in the world and the world around us through physical engagement with the environment – and expressing ideas and concepts through moving, physical responses – that use space, timing and energy. Given basic structure – it IS dance!
