In this episode of "Learning in Motion," host Lisa Witt, founder of WittFitt, explores the crucial role of movement in the classroom, especially for students with learning challenges. Drawing on her 21 years of experience with her son who has Down syndrome, coaching Special Olympics and her return to teaching, Lisa emphasizes that our brains are designed for movement, making active furniture solutions like rocking stools and standing desks essential tools, not distractions.

She explains the difference between sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding students and how to create inclusive environments that cater to both, offering specific product recommendations (like standing desks with swing bars or seating discs for balance needs, and hand fidgets) and discussing their physiological benefits.

Lisa also emphasizes the importance of open communication with students about their needs, allowing choice in seating, and collaborating with school therapists, while also advocating for providing active furniture for all students to foster a truly inclusive classroom where active bodies lead to engaged minds.

In this episode of Learning in Motion, Lisa Witt discusses the importance of movement in classrooms and explores various products designed to enhance student engagement and learning. She recaps previous episodes, emphasizing the rationale behind movement, practical strategies for implementation, and funding ideas. The episode highlights specific products like stability balls, seating discs, rocking stools, standing desks and balance boards, providing insights into their benefits and proper usage. Lisa also shares testimonials from teachers about the positive impact of these products on student behavior and learning outcomes.

In this episode of Learning in Motion, Lisa Witt discusses the importance of movement in classrooms and provides creative funding ideas for teachers to acquire active learning products. She emphasizes the benefits of community involvement and student investment in their learning process. The episode also covers practical strategies for fundraising, utilizing school resources, and offers templates to simplify the process.

In this episode of Learning in Motion, host Lisa Witt welcomes Michelle Caron, creator of the Fit n Fun game, a dynamic board game designed to make fitness enjoyable and accessible for all ages. Michelle shares how the game was born out of a need to keep her own kids active and off screens during the pandemic, evolving from a simple poster board idea into a widely adopted tool.

The discussion highlights how The Fit n Fun not only provides a fun alternative to traditional exercise but also fosters crucial skills like teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving, all while promoting physical health. Michelle explains the game's unique mechanics, including its adaptability for various fitness levels and the engaging "challenge squares." She also offers valuable insights for educators looking to integrate active play into their schools, emphasizing its benefits for student engagement, focus, and overall well-being, and even provides a tip on aligning the game with state PE standards.

Lisa and Michelle explore practical applications in both PE classes and general classrooms, discussing how the game can serve as a spontaneous movement break. They also touch on future editions of the game, including versions for younger children, yoga/Pilates enthusiasts, and seniors. This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking innovative ways to combine active bodies with engaged minds in their learning environments. Plus, listeners can find details on how to purchase the game, including a special WittFitt discount code, on the Learning in Motion website.

In this episode of Learning in Motion, Lisa Witt discusses the importance of the classroom environment in shaping students' learning experiences. She emphasizes the need for movement in the classroom to enhance engagement and retention. Lisa shares practical strategies for incorporating active furniture and creating collaborative spaces, while also highlighting the significance of a comfortable teacher space to promote overall wellness.

In this episode of Learning in Motion, Lisa Witt discusses the significance of incorporating movement and brain breaks into classroom settings. She emphasizes how brief, active breaks can enhance productivity, creativity, and social skills among students. Lisa shares practical strategies for teachers to engage students through movement, address common apprehensions, and implement effective movement activities in their lessons. The episode highlights the connection between physical activity and cognitive function, encouraging educators to embrace movement as a vital component of learning.

In this episode of Learning in Motion, Lisa Witt discusses the critical role of movement in classrooms and its impact on student engagement and learning. She shares insights from her experience as a teacher and the evolution of her company, WittFitt, which promotes movement products for educational settings. The episode emphasizes the connection between physical activity and cognitive function, highlighting the benefits of improved posture, increased blood flow, and enhanced mood through movement. Lisa encourages educators to reflect on their classroom environments and consider how to incorporate more active learning strategies.

Learning in Motion is the podcast for teachers ready to boost student engagement and focus. Host Lisa Witt, a veteran teacher and founder of WittFitt active furniture, shares two decades of experience transforming classrooms.

Lisa brings real stories, insider tips on active furniture (like rocking stools and standing desks), and the latest brain research to help you create dynamic learning spaces. Get practical ideas for funding and designing classrooms where active bodies lead to engaged minds.

WittFitt: The Origin Story – A Teacher's Journey to Revolutionize Learning

In this episode of Learning in Motion, host Lisa Witt reveals the inspiring story behind WittFitt, her company dedicated to bringing movement into classrooms. What started as a young teacher's frustration with restless students in Fort Collins, Colorado, quickly evolved into a passion project.

Lisa recounts her early efforts to integrate movement breaks into her sixth-grade curriculum, demonstrating the clear academic benefits. Driven by the groundbreaking idea of using stability balls as classroom seating, inspired by research from Switzerland, she spearheaded a successful in-class study. This led her to develop a unique curriculum, teaching students the "why" behind movement and involving them in the process of bringing active furniture into their space.

Without a business background, Lisa's sheer passion for student wellness organically grew into WittFitt, a company that has provided active learning solutions to schools nationwide for two decades. After navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of e-commerce, Lisa has come full circle, returning to the classroom as a seventh-grade literature teacher.

Now, more than ever, Lisa is convinced of the critical need for student movement and engagement. Join her as she shares real-world insights, delves into brain research, explores practical room design ideas, and tackles the big question of funding for active classrooms.