Movement is extremely important for children’s brain development. Research shows that regular physical activity and exercise have many positive effects on children’s cognitive development, learning and overall mental and physical health. In addition to exercise and physical activity during leisure time and PE lessons, an important question is how we can further promote exercise during the classroom – for children’s overall well-being, learning and development.
Movement for health and participation
Incorporating short movement breaks into lessons can improve children’s ability to concentrate and focus, and learning through play or group activities that involve movement can promote cooperation, group work, communication and conflict resolution among children. Integrating movement into the school day contributes to children’s overall physical health and stamina. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and other health problems and promote healthy lifestyles.
Movement to facilitate learning
Research shows that exercise during or before lessons can improve cognitive skills such as memory, comprehension and problem-solving. Children who are physically active tend to perform better in school tests, and to access knowledge with less effort. And activities that involve movement stimulate creative thinking and innovation in children, encouraging them to think in new ways and experiment with ideas.
Movement for emotional and mental health
We hear more and more about behavioural or even physical outbursts by pupils at school. In addition to the need to develop emotional intelligence, movement can help children manage stress, anxiety and frustration and promote mental well-being. We can also expect to see progress in the area of peer relationships from varied lessons and from teaching in nature as often as possible. The release of endorphins during exercise improves mood and reduces negative emotions, which has a positive effect on memory during lessons.
Lessons involving movement can enhance children’s overall development. Many research studies highlight that movement influences the cognitive, emotional and social aspects of children’s development, and that these findings can help improve educational practices and care for children. It is therefore important that teachers and school systems recognise the importance of movement in the classroom and include it as an important part of education for the best development of children.
Mateja Podmenik
Mateja Podmenik is an educator and professor of theology, accompanist of students, coordinator of the international DigiON project, mother of 3 children, coordinator of workshop providers for workshops in schools.
