Chicago, Illinois
At 8:30 am, our ‘Good Morning’ song springs from the speakers and eager Kindergarten-2nd grade faces shuffle towards their designated spots where they are greeted by their teachers. Students then check their ‘space bubbles’ and stand quietly at attention, ready for Morning Movement. The K-2 students are led through a developmental movement routine including stretching, jumping, and crossing the midline. Meanwhile, upstairs in our big gym, 3rd-5th grade students take their places as the latest radio hit fills the air. They begin their Morning Movement exercises with a physical fitness based routine which includes strength exercises, yoga, and cardiovascular fitness. The 6th-8th grade students file into their Advisory classrooms and begin their student-led and -developed Morning Movement routine. For the next 10 minutes, all students and staff are engaged in movement with the goal of releasing tension, increasing focus, and preparing their minds and bodies for learning.