Marshall Elementary’s Innovative Motor Lab Enhances Student Learning and Engagement - Checotah
Marshall Elementary’s Innovative Motor Lab Enhances Student Learning and Engagement
Katelyn Walker, Principal at Marshall Elementary - Checotah Public Schools, OK
Marshall Elementary School [Checotah, OK] – Marshall Elementary School has implemented an innovative Action Based Learning program, led by Principal Katelyn Walker and Motor Lab Teacher Jo Beth Kaylor. This initiative is designed to support student development through movement-based learning activities. The lab, inspired by a visit to a Collinsville OK campus, was funded by a five-year AWARE grant, and has already begun to make a positive impact on students in pre-K through second grade.
Kaylor, who transitioned from music education to physical education and motor lab instruction, was motivated to bring this initiative to Marshall after witnessing its success in Collinsville. The motor lab aligns movement with mental health strategies to enhance cognitive function and self-regulation among students.
The motor lab accommodates approximately 440 students, offering structured 40-minute sessions twice a week. The lab is equipped with 10-11 interactive stations featuring balance boards, wobble stools, active learning mats and wall mounts, and stepping machines. These stations are rotated weekly to maintain engagement and maximize developmental benefits. The "Ready Bodies Learning Minds" curriculum provides the foundation for these activities, fostering improved coordination, focus, and problem-solving skills. The motor lab has yielded measurable improvements in attendance, behavior, and student confidence. One student who previously exhibited minimal verbal communication, demonstrated remarkable progress after successfully completing a puzzle cube activity—an achievement that encouraged increased interaction and engagement.
Community and Teacher Support
The lab has garnered enthusiastic feedback from parents, educators, and the broader school community. Teachers have expressed interest in expanding student participation due to the noticeable benefits in classroom behavior and academic readiness. Recognizing the positive impact, administrators are actively refining the curriculum and exploring additional training opportunities to further enhance the initiative.
Future Growth and Expansion
To continue advancing the motor lab’s success, Marshall Elementary has invested in new equipment, including the "Moonwalker," an Action Based Learning tool designed to improve student motor skills. The school is also committed to ongoing professional development, with Kaylor planning to attend specialized training in Oklahoma City to enhance the lab's effectiveness.
A Commitment to Student-Centered Learning
The goal of the motor lab is to create a learning environment where students develop essential skills in an engaging and supportive setting. "We want students to have fun learning without even realizing they are learning," said Kaylor. "This program helps instill a love for education while promoting essential motor and cognitive development." With its continued success, Marshall Elementary’s motor lab stands as a model for integrating movement and education, reinforcing the importance of Action Based Learning in early childhood development.
Looking Ahead
Stay tuned for updates as we track the progress of the ABL lab initative and celebrate the achievements of students at Marshall Elementary!
A huge thank you to Marshall Elementary, Katelyn Walker, and Jo Beth Kaylor for allowing us to provide tools to help support your students and your staff! To hear more about this story, to request more information on Action Based Learning, or share your own story about ABL, contact courtney.walczak@kidsfit.com. Check out ABLLAB.COM for more stories!
