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Importance of Movement-based Learning in Early Childhood  

Many modern-day educators suggest that the development of a child requires establishing a connection between the mind and the body because before learning with their brains, children start learning with their bodies. This is why teachers and parents need to provide them with the freedom, environment, and space to support adequate physical movement for them.  

All of us are aware of the great impact physical activity has on how young students learn. By studying the correlation between movement and learning, it has been found that even the smallest movement can help students tremendously with understanding and focus. Naturally, movement-based learning can be an excellent tool for early childhood development for many key factors.   

Before developing oral language, children use different types of movement to communicate. The part of the human brain controlling physical development and coordination is known as the cerebellum. Recent clinical studies suggest that the cerebellum may also have a connection with linguistic functioning.   

Serotonin and endorphins, two important chemicals found in the human brain are actively involved in assisting our emotional regulation. The levels of both these chemicals are increased by physical activity. Also, our brains have a reticular activating system that incorporates sensory information by regulating our attention and focus. This part of the brain of a child can be supported by helping them develop their cerebral cortex and limbic system through activities such as climbing, yoga, dancing, art, nature play, etc.  

Some Benefits of Movement-based Learning: 

There are numerous benefits of movement-based learning in any early childhood classroom.  

• Impacts brain structure and function positively and improves overall cognitive function. 
• Enhances academic achievements while promoting learning. 
• Reduces depression, anxiety, and stress, and improves mood. 
• Enhances the confidence and self-esteem of the young students. 
• Increases motivation and makes the learning process more enjoyable. 
• Helps address the behavioural issues of the students. 
• Makes it easier for students to concentrate and stay on-task.  
• Particularly helpful for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.       

Simple Movement-based Learning Examples 

Luckily, it doesn’t take a lot of planning or effort to in include movement in the classroom. A simple way to start is to schedule brain breaks during which students can dance, wiggle, take a stretch, or tap their feet.  Mentioned below are some other examples of movement-based learning.   

• Replacing letters and colours with movement and actions to create patterns.  
• While the students are working independently, allow them to stand. 
• Let the students use their feet, arms, and legs to measure large spaces,  
• As the stories are read in the classroom, tell them to act through the scenes. 
• Encourage your students and children to pair movements with sight words. 
• While answering the questions, tell your students to draw them. 

Tips to Implement Movement-based Learning 

Institutions looking to incorporate movement-based learning in their curriculum have many available resources based on segmenting activities and multi-sensory blending. These tools engage the auditory, visual, and fine motor sensory pathways of the students as they take part in different activities. These activities increase engagement, motivation, and key phonics skills, and can be used for small groups, large groups, as well as individuals.    

If you need more support to implement movement-based learning for the development of your child, please contact our expert educators at Valley Heights Preschool Long Day Care Centre.