As the pressure to perform academically rises with each passing school year, students are seeing less time in their days for movement and physical activity. Teacher accountability for student test scores is at an all-time high — making it difficult to allow the creative play time researchers insist is important to developing minds. Finding creative ways to allow kids some physical freedom but keep them on academic tasks is something most teachers really try to do — but it comes with challenges.

One innovative concept that I recently learned more about is from MotionMagix™, a company that has developed an Interactive Wall, Interactive Floor and other engaging interactive teaching methods. The company offers many interactive options that implement gesture technology for floors and walls. The available items include games, quizzes, themes and alternative teaching tools that range in usefulness for preK, elementary and special needs students.

By projecting the learning material onto walls and floors, the company provides a hygienic, safe and reliable way to keep kids in all age groups engaged for hours of fun and learning. By using gesture technology, kids are able to be physical AND learn at the same time.

Gesture based interactive technology in a classroom is optimally used when educators pair academic subjects with  physical activity. There is a proven track record of success in deepening learner engagement. For example, Math Tentacle, a MotionMagix™ Interactive Floor game , gives kids the chance to learn Math in a very entertaining way. The audio visual game helps the kids learn numbers and counting in a really unique and engaging manner. The game also boosts motor activity and movement as it involves jumping and selecting the desired digits.

Schools that have already installed MotionMagix™ have found that statistically, student engagement and interaction has risen. Jumpstart, a preschool based in Pune, India, has observed 6 times higher engagement from kids using the interactive tools. The teachers say the games provide a healthy way of blending mental and physical activity, while improving collaboration, participation and cognitive skills in children.

The way teachers approach limited physical activities, like recess and PE classes, is important to keeping kids interested in learning while addressing the childhood obesity issue. Technology has made life more sedentary, but it has also provided for some innovative ways to get up and move. Ed-tech companies that combine academic pursuits with the movement that kids inherently love are in demand — both in the eyes of teachers and of the students they teach.

If you are an educator, how do you keep your kids focused on academics while enjoying some movement freedom?

Check out MotionMagix™ in action in this video:

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