Journaling and running go hand-in-hand. Experienced runners use a journal to track their runs noting details like distance, time, route, weather and other things. As educators, however, we want to go further with our students and journaling!
The latest studies in Brain Research have shown aerobic exercise benefits learning. Physical activity like running increases blood flow to the brain which carries nutrients such as glucose and oxygen. Without these two nutrients, our brain function becomes sluggish. Students, who sit for longer than 20 minutes, have decreased communication between their neurons which slows cognitive abilities. The three websites below will link you to articles which support the idea of exercise and increased brain activity.
http://www.edupr.com/hedline1.html
http://www.actionbasedlearning.com/article01.shtml
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro02/web1/rroth.html
