Movement is an essential component of a child’s overall development. From the moment they take their first steps to their participation in sports, dance, and free play, movement shapes their physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. In the classroom and at home, movement is not just about staying active—it plays a crucial role in learning, memory, focus, and social skills.
Research supports the idea that physical activity enhances brain function and contributes to better academic performance, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing. In this post, we will explore why movement is critical for children’s learning, the cognitive benefits of exercise, and how incorporating movement into education can improve outcomes for children of all ages.
The Connection Between Movement and Brain Development
Children’s brains are rapidly developing, forming new neural connections as they interact with the world around them. Movement, particularly through activities like crawling, walking, running, and playing, helps establish and strengthen these neural pathways.
Neuroplasticity and Movement
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt by forming new connections in response to learning and experience. Movement stimulates neuroplasticity, allowing children to develop motor skills, coordination, and cognitive abilities simultaneously. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients that support neuron growth and synaptic connections.
Motor Development and the brain
Fine and gross motor skills are deeply connected to cognitive function. When a child learns to balance, throw a ball, or climb, they are also developing problem-solving abilities, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Research shows that children who engage in movement-based activities tend to perform better in subjects such as mathematics and reading, as these skills require spatial reasoning and sequencing abilities, both of which are enhanced through movement.
Cognitive Benefits of Exercise & Movement
Exercise has profound effects on the brain, influencing memory, attention, and executive function. Here are some of the ways movement enhances cognitive development:
Improved Memory and Learning
Physical activity increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the survival and growth of brain cells. BDNF plays a key role in learning and memory by strengthening synaptic connections. Studies have shown that children who engage in regular physical activity exhibit improved memory retention and perform better on tests that require recall and problem-solving.
For example, aerobic exercise, such as running or cycling, has been linked to enhanced hippocampal function. The hippocampus is the part of the brain responsible for memory formation and retention. Children who participate in daily physical activity tend to show greater improvements in learning and academic performance than their sedentary peers.
Increased Attention and Focus
Attention and concentration are critical for learning, and movement helps children develop these skills. Exercise stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are associated with attention and motivation. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) especially benefit from movement-based learning, as physical activity can help regulate their energy levels and improve their ability to focus in the classroom.
Short bursts of movement, such as stretching, jumping, or dancing, can help reset attention spans and prevent cognitive fatigue. Schools that incorporate movement breaks into their daily routines often see improvements in student engagement and behaviour.
Enhanced Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Movement encourages experiential learning, where children learn through direct experience rather than passive instruction. Activities that require coordination, balance, and strategic thinking—such as playing sports, dancing, or building with blocks—help children develop problem-solving skills and creativity.
Physical play allows children to experiment, make mistakes, and find solutions in real time. For example, when a child climbs a jungle gym, they must assess the best way to reach the top, navigate obstacles, and adjust their movements based on feedback from their environment. This process mirrors the cognitive skills required for problem-solving in academic subjects.
Emotional and Social Benefits of Movement
Beyond cognitive development, movement is essential for emotional regulation and social interaction. Active children tend to have better mood stability, higher self-esteem, and improved interpersonal skills.
Stress Reduction and Emotional Regulation
Exercise helps regulate emotions by reducing stress hormones such as cortisol and increasing the production of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Physical activity provides an outlet for releasing pent-up energy and frustration, helping children manage emotions in a healthy way.
Movement also plays a role in self-regulation. Activities such as yoga and stretching promote mindfulness, teaching children how to calm their bodies and minds. This ability to self-regulate contributes to better behaviour in the classroom and at home.
Social Development and Cooperation
Physical play encourages teamwork, communication, and social bonding. Group activities such as sports, dance, and cooperative games teach children how to work together, share responsibilities, and resolve conflicts. Through play, children learn empathy, patience, and how to interpret social cues.
When children engage in active play with peers, they develop important social skills that will benefit them throughout life. Structured movement activities, such as PE classes, as well as unstructured play, both provide opportunities for social development.
Ways to encourage more movement in education
Given the benefits of movement for cognitive and emotional development, it is crucial that all education settings incorporate physical activity into daily learning. Unfortunately, many schools have reduced PE time in favour of more sedentary academic focus. However, it is clear that integrating movement into the school day improves overall academic performance and student wellbeing.
Active Classrooms
Educators can incorporate movement into lessons to enhance learning. For example:
• Kinesthetic Learning: Encouraging students to use gestures, act out vocabulary words, or move while learning mathematical concepts can help reinforce memory.
• Brain Breaks: Short movement breaks every 20–30 minutes, such as stretching or jumping jacks, can refresh attention spans and prevent fatigue.
• Standing Desks and Flexible Seating: Allowing students to use standing desks, stability balls, resistance bands attached to chairs, or alternative seating options encourages movement throughout the day.
Breaktimes and Outdoor Play
Unstructured outdoor play is essential for children’s development. Alongside academic provision, children have ample opportunities to run, climb, and explore. Outdoor play fosters creativity, problem-solving, and physical fitness while providing a mental reset between academic tasks.
P.E. and Extracurricular Activities
Regular physical education classes help to develop motor skills, coordination, and a love for movement. Education settings should offer diverse activities that cater to different interests, such as team sports, dance, martial arts, and yoga. After-school clubs that promote movement, such as drama, gymnastics, or nature clubs further encourage physical activity outside the classroom.
Encouraging Movement at Home
Caregivers play a vital role in promoting movement and active play. Encouraging children to engage in physical activities at home helps reinforce the importance of movement for learning and wellbeing. Some ideas include:
• Family walks, bike rides as well as walking/biking/scooting to school
• Playing outdoor games like tag, football, family Olympics, frisbee or just throwing/catching ball games
• Encouraging imaginative play that involves movement (e.g., pretending to be animals, superheroes, or explorers)
• Limiting screen time and promoting hands-on activities such as building forts, gardening, or dancing to music
Movement is more than just exercise—it is a fundamental part of learning, cognitive development, and emotional wellbeing. Research consistently shows that children who engage in regular physical activity perform better academically, exhibit stronger attention and memory, and develop crucial social and emotional skills.
To optimise children’s learning and development, schools, educators, and caregivers should prioritise movement in education and daily life. Whether through active play, physical education, or movement-based learning strategies, encouraging children to move is an investment in their cognitive growth and future success. By embracing movement as an integral part of learning, we can create healthier and happier children who are more able to achieve their goals.
