More Exercise Means More Learning!

February 2nd, 2026

With increasing pressure for educators and schools to raise test scores and graduation rates over the last decade or more, students’ physical activity at school is being reduced, and in some areas eliminated, by  cutbacks to recess and physical education classes. One professor pointed out, “Our labor laws really have some pretty strict guidelines about what employers must provide for employees and break time is one of those things and I think about that as a parallel to little people and you know, there’s no protections.” Shouldn’t our little learners be given some time to move around, too?

For some students, recess or physical education class may be the only significant physical activity they participate in each day. Not only do these physically active periods get kids up and moving, but they allow children to socialize, work together in teams or groups, and promote development and overall well-being.

Research has proven that there are many benefits of exercise for everyone at any age. Exercise increases circulation, improving the flow of oxygen-rich blood around your body and promoting cell growth, giving you renewed energy and helping you to stay focused. We learned how beneficial growing new brain cells and creating new neural pathways can be for promoting language and literacy development.

Exercise can help with everything from improving memory to getting a better night’s sleep. Researchers have found that regular aerobic exercise increases the size of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, the areas of the brain involved with memory, thinking and learning. Many studies, including one that looked at the  effects of aerobic exercise on overweight children , have also found that students’ test scores improved greatly with exercise. That makes perfect sense—with exercise, students’ brains are growing, they are learning more, and they are performing better in school!

Exercise also relieves stress by increasing endorphins to make you feel good, clearing your mind, and helping you relax. The more relaxed you are, the more comfortable and self-confident you may feel participating in a group.

Back in the spring, Jodie Shell told us  why moving and learning go together. She explained how many school-aged children have an underdeveloped vestibular (balance) system due to lack of physical movement, which in turn affects their ability to stay focused in the classroom.

The developers of GrapeSEED recognized the importance of exercise and movement in learning, incorporating James Asher’s  Total Physical Response , a method of teaching language using physical movement to react to verbal input, through action activities in the GrapeSEED program.

More exercise for young learners means more learning and the opportunity for better health and a better life.

Has recess or physical education class been cut or reduced at your school or in your district?  Take our quick poll.

Planting Seeds for Summer: Why February Is the Perfect Time to Think About Language Growth

February 16, 2026
February is a unique moment in the school year: routines have been established, students are settled, and teachers can clearly see areas of growth as well as emerging needs. It’s also a natural pause before the busy spring months. All of this makes February an ideal time to reflect and to look ahead. For multilingual learners, what happens after the school year ends matters more than we often realize. The Summer Learning Opportunity Extended breaks can unintentionally slow language development, particularly in listening, vocabulary, and verbal confidence. However, when summer instruction is intentional and well designed, it can do more than maintain progress—it can accelerate it. The key is ensuring summer learning feels inviting, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. What Works for Young Language Learners Effective summer language programs share common elements that support growth without feeling like “more school”: A low-stress environment where students feel comfortable taking risks with language Consistent exposure to English through stories, songs, shared reading, and movement Natural repetition and routine that strengthen foundational English language skills Multi-sensory learning experiences that keep students engaged and motivated When language is experienced rather than practiced in isolation, children remain curious, confident, and connected. Why February Is the Time to Think Ahead February isn’t about making immediate decisions—it’s about asking the right questions: How can summer learning support language development without burnout? What experiences will help students feel successful and excited to learn? How can summer instruction align with the strengths of our school-year approach? Exploring these questions now allows schools to plan thoughtfully rather than reactively. A Season for Planting Ideas Strong summer programs build on what young learners love most—music, stories, movement, and interaction—while quietly reinforcing the language skills they need to grow. February offers the space to imagine a summer experience that supports continuity, confidence, and joyful learning long after winter fades. Ready to learn how GrapeSEED can be a meaningful part of your school’s summer learning?

Smiles, Snacks, And Sanity A Self-Care Guide for Teachers

February 3, 2026
If you’re an elementary teacher working with multilingual learners, you already know your work is full of heart, hustle, and highlighters. But let’s be honest—supporting language learners takes a lot of energy. That’s why self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a must. You’re juggling language development, academic growth, cultural connection, and emotional support. And while your students are growing every day, you need time to recharge, too. Here’s a quick self-care recipe to keep your cup full: 🧡 Smiles: Find Joy in the Little Things Celebrate the small wins: a new vocabulary word, a student’s laugh, a kind moment. Write one highlight on a sticky note each day. It’s a mood booster—and a reminder that you’re making a difference. 🍎 Snacks: Fuel Your Body (and Soul) Don’t skip lunch! Keep a stash of healthy snacks (and maybe a treat or two) nearby. Food is fuel, and sometimes chocolate is emotional first aid. 🧠 Sanity: Protect Your Peace Say no to that extra committee if you’re overwhelmed. Take 5 minutes to breathe or stretch between lessons. Step outside during a break of any kind, even for just a second or two. Talk to someone who “gets it”—sharing helps lighten the load. You Matter Your students need you AND they also need you to be okay. When you take care of yourself, you’re showing them how to care for themselves, too. So go ahead, teacher: smile, snack, and protect your sanity. You can’t do it all , but you CAN do a lot more when you’re well. At GrapeSEED English for Children, we value teachers and work to make certain that those using our curriculum feel supported. With a personal Professional Learning Specialist that teaches can communicate with anytime, a teacher portal, on-demand PDs and so much more, we’ve got our teachers covered! Ready to learn more about getting started with GrapeSEED in YOUR classroom? Just click here for more information.

New Year, Clearer Path: Decluttering for Stronger Language Learning

January 20, 2026
January is the season of decluttering, but in schools, it’s about clearing space for what truly matters! This month’s blog explores how thoughtful organization supports multilingual learners and why strong language systems are worth keeping. A little clarity now can create momentum that lasts all year… and beyond!

Midyear Glow-Up: Refreshing Routines in Your Classroom!

December 11, 2025
The new year is a perfect time for reflection and renewal—not just for us, but for our students, too. After a long winter break, January offers a natural opportunity to revisit and reinforce classroom routines and procedures, especially in multilingual classrooms where clarity and consistency are key to helping all students feel secure and successful. For multilingual learners, routines are more than just classroom management—they provide language-rich structures that support understanding, reduce anxiety, and foster confidence. Whether students are newcomers or have been learning English for years, a clear and predictable environment helps them focus on learning rather than guessing what’s expected. Start the month by gently reviewing procedures: entering the classroom, transitioning between activities, participating in group work, asking for help, and using classroom materials. Model each step and invite students to demonstrate, using visuals, gestures, and multilingual supports when possible. Pair verbal directions with pictures or sentence stems to help students connect words with actions. This not only aids comprehension, it builds community and shared responsibility. Remember, reviewing routines isn’t about enforcing rules—it’s about resetting the tone for a peaceful, productive, and joyful classroom. Make space for students to share what helps them learn best and celebrate the positive habits they already bring with them. By investing time in January to revisit expectations with warmth and intention, you're setting the stage for a second half of the school year filled with growth, laughter, and learning—for every student, in every language.
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