Why is movement important for learning?
Why is movement important to learning for children?
Movement is not only essential for children's physical health, but also for their cognitive and emotional development. Research suggests that movement can enhance memory, perception, language, attention, emotion, and even decision making in young children . Movement also stimulates the brain's higher-order centers that are involved in academic learning. In this blog post, we will explore some of the benefits of movement for children's learning and some ways to promote movement in early childhood.
One of the benefits of movement for learning is that it helps children connect concepts to action and learn through trial and error. For example, when children balance, run, jump, catch, throw, or kick, they are developing their locomotor and ball skills that require coordination, timing, and spatial awareness. These skills also help children understand concepts such as speed, distance, force, and direction. When children move their bodies in different ways, they are also expressing their creativity and imagination.
Another benefit of movement for learning is that it helps children regulate their emotions and attention. Movement can help children calm down when they are upset or anxious, or alert them when they are sleepy or bored. Movement can also help children focus on a task and filter out distractions. For example, when children sing, dance, or clap along with a song, they are using movement to reinforce language and memory. Research shows that combining language and movement can increase learning by 90 percent.
How can we promote movement in early childhood? There are many ways to encourage children to move more and enjoy the benefits of movement for learning. Here are some ideas:
- Provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore and play. Offer a variety of toys and materials that invite movement, such as balls, blocks, puzzles, musical instruments, etc.
- Incorporate movement into daily routines and activities. For example, you can have children walk or bike to school, help with household chores, or play games that involve movement.
- Model movement and enthusiasm for physical activity. Show children how you enjoy moving your body and invite them to join you. You can also praise their efforts and achievements in movement.
- Expose children to different types of movement and physical activities. You can introduce children to sports, dance, yoga, martial arts, or other forms of movement that suit their interests and abilities.
- Support children's autonomy and choice in movement. Allow children to move at their own pace and follow their own interests. Avoid forcing or pressuring children to move in ways that they do not enjoy or feel comfortable with.
Movement is important for learning because it helps children develop their physical, cognitive, and emotional skills. By promoting movement in early childhood, we can support children's holistic development and well-being.