Movement to Satisfy Needs (What it's All About!)

Education theorist William Glasser developed Choice Theory, which I've been studying this semester in Cohort. The premise of his theory is that everything in life is behavior, and that almost all behavior is chosen. His theory is one of internal control. It is driven by our genes to satisfy five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. Most advocates of this theory would argue the most important need is love and belonging. When individuals feel they belong, they feel connected to a community. They feel like they're making a contribution and have established a closeness with the individuals in their environment.

When needs are not addressed in the classroom, it results in frustration and a lack of motivation in students. Glasser's internal control theory illustrates humans to be competent, to make choices, to have fun, to be capable. Movement in the literacy classroom can help educators fulfill these essential needs of students. Here is a breakdown I created that will explain further:

• Freedom: Movement allows for less restriction and an increase in endorphins. It supports brain function and fosters creativity. Allowing students to make choices about their body and mind interactions will give them a sense of freedom.
• Survival: The need for survival can tie back into the "fright or flight" method. Our bodies are designed to react to stimuli around us. Without the ability to move freely, our bodies may feel less protected.
• Love and Belonging: A movement-orientated classroom allows for an increase in belonging and trust. Many of the activities require creativity, risk, and challenge, more so than any individual worksheet would require. Trust builds with the interactive activities.
• Power: Students gain a sense of power with the enhanced competence through movement activities. It matches most students' preferred learning style; this makes the content seem more accessible to them.
• Fun: Movement is simply fun. Our first human form of communication (as newborns) was movement. It's how we genuinely react to our environment. It's the most raw form of communication, and it feels good! It can be silly, which is needed in more classrooms (as long as it stays appropriate).