Donated software helps transform classrooms

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - Free software to teachers and students across seven northwest Louisiana parishes is making a difference in the way some kids are learning.

Rachel Stone is a first-grade teacher at North Highlands Elementary in Caddo Parish. She started using GoNoodle Plus in her classroom every day.

"I first experienced GoNoodle at a teacher training conference," said Stone. "We had wiggle breaks. They got everyone up and started dancing. They were very catchy songs. I started looking into it and the next year I would say you know let's get up and take a wiggle break."

Stones students quickly took to the idea. She found herself using GoNoodle Plus in her curriculum every 20 minutes to calm her eager students.

"I challenge anyone to tell 20 six-year-olds to sit for a long time. They cannot do it. They are not mentally developed for their brains to hold that much information for that long of a time."

Stone's decision instantly paid off.

"My students were below proficient, they were below grade level. And at the end of the year... my class was the highest performing first grade class in our school."

Her class showed off the software during a pep rally at the end of last school year, prompting more kids at North Highlands to get up and move and see the benefits. In fact, GoNoodle has been proven to increase retention for students and spike brain activity.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier made it easier for teachers to reap the benefits. They donated GoNoodle Plus to every public and private school across seven parishes in northwest Louisiana. It's a gift that didn't cost Stone a dime and allows her to do what she loves which is teach.

"I can't really picture my classroom without it now."

If you are a teacher or an administrator in northwest Louisiana you can get this upgraded software for free. Call CHRISTUS Foundation at 318-681-6781 to learn how you can take advantage of GoNoodle Plus this school year.

Sponsored by CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier, Your Children's Miracle Network Hospital

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