Kids are naturally wiggly, and that’s a good thing! While their endless energy might seem like a distraction, it’s actually a crucial part of how they learn and grow. Research shows that movement and learning are deeply connected, with activities like bouncing, fidgeting, and running around stimulating brain development in powerful ways. 

Physical activity fuels the brain by enhancing focus, improving memory, and building important neural connections that support cognitive and emotional growth. Instead of viewing their wiggles as something to manage, it’s important to understand them as a key component in helping kids thrive.

So, how can you harness all that wiggly energy as a parent or educator? Let’s explore the connection between movement and learning and overview some simple yet effective ways to get your kiddos moving for more effective learning experiences!

 

How Movement Affects the Brain

Whether as a child or an adult, the brain thrives on activity. When you move around or engage in full-fledged exercise, you wake up key brain areas and supercharge skills like memory, focus, and problem-solving. For example, trampoline therapy has been shown to help children with autism develop cognitive skills. But that’s just the beginning! According to university research, movement also:

• Feeds the brain by aiding in circulation.
• Improves the brain’s capacity for long-term memory by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which makes it easier to store information and memories.
• Reduces the intensity of stressful experiences.

On top of that, those who regularly engage in physical activity benefit from feel-good chemicals that make learning smoother and help with effective mood regulation.

Brain Areas Activated by Physical Activity

Exercise activates critical regions of the brain, such as the:

• Prefrontal cortex and hippocampus: Vital for executive functions, memory, and learning. 
• Cerebellum: Enables balance and fine motor skills. 
• Basal ganglia: Help facilitate controlled movements, motor learning, planning, and habit formation.
• Amygdala: Help with emotional processing and regulation.
• Hypothalamus: Regulates basic functions like body temperature, hunger, and thirst.

Movement also increases blood flow and releases neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin that improve brain plasticity, so it’s easier to process and retain new information.

Physical activity is a great way to support each of these cognitive functions so the brain can function optimally with a lesser risk of disease.

The Role of Physical Activity in Cognitive Development

Incorporating physical activity into learning routines supports cognitive development by:

• Stimulating the growth of new neurons associated with learning and memory.
• Strengthening neural connections and information processing capacities.
• Encouraging neuroplasticity by boosting the production of BDNF, which is essential for brain growth. 

Movement also promotes the development of motor skills and social cognition, especially in team-based or interactive exercises. As people build circulation-enhancing activities into their daily lives, over time, physical activity builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning and protects against cognitive decline.

Effects on Memory, Focus, and Problem-Solving

Engaging in movement increases oxygen delivery to the brain — and when the brain gets more oxygen, our attention and focus are sharper as a result. Movement also stimulates areas like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, benefiting our problem-solving, decision-making, and memory capacities. A Stanford study even found that who move more are more likely to think creatively, which makes movement an essential tool for cognitive development.

Effects on Emotional and Social Well-Being

Movement also nurtures emotional and social well-being by aiding in the development of social and emotional skills, especially in group settings. As they engage in movement together, children can learn teamwork and resilience while reducing anxiety and enhancing mood through the release of endorphins. Ultimately, movement is good for both body and mind and leads to well-rounded learning.

 

Learning Through Movement: How to Integrate Physical Activity

Integrating movement and learning is easier than you might think and can transform traditional learning environments like classrooms into more engaging spaces. Simple activities like stretching, interactive games, or movement-based lessons can help students of all ages stay focused and absorb information more effectively. 

Movement Breaks in Classrooms

Introducing short movement breaks, such as stretching exercises, jumping jacks, or yoga poses, helps students recharge and refocus during long lessons. These breaks stimulate blood flow to the brain for better attention and retention. For example, a quick "brain break" of standing and clapping to a rhythm can improve energy and engagement.

Incorporating Movement in Study Sessions

Adding movement to study sessions can make learning more effective and enjoyable. Techniques like pacing while reviewing notes, using flashcards while standing, or doing light exercises between subjects can improve focus and memory retention. For instance, students can review vocabulary words while tossing a ball back and forth with a partner.

Outdoor Learning Activities

Outdoor activities like nature walks, scavenger hunts, or team-based challenges are a refreshing way to utilize the movement and learning connection. These activities engage the senses, improve mood, and enhance creativity.  

For example, a biology lesson could involve a scavenger hunt where students identify plants or insects in a garden, blending physical exploration with hands-on education to reinforce the material in an engaging way.

Physical Games and Kinesthetic Learning

Physical games such as relay races, hopscotch spelling, or math obstacle courses make learning interactive and engaging. Kinesthetic learning techniques like building models, acting out historical events, or using hand movements for math problems can reinforce concepts. 

 

For example, in a math obstacle course, students could solve equations by hopping to a specific square on the floor labeled with the correct answer, combining movement with problem-solving to reinforce their understanding in a way that’s fun and memorable.

  

Tools for Getting Kids Moving

Parents and teachers can encourage learning through movement by incorporating tools and toys that make physical activity fun. Here are a few recommendations.

Active Play Toys

Active play toys like bean bag toss and ribbon batons are excellent tools for integrating movement and learning into a child’s routine. These activities improve physical coordination and support cognitive skills like spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving. 

Jumping Toys

Jumping toys are some of the most engaging and physically active tools for kids, offering a fun, full-body workout. Toys like bouncing balls with handles encourage kids to use their whole bodies to build strength, coordination, and endurance. 

The Jungle Jumparoo, in particular, provides a complete sensory experience that activates the vestibular system to improve balance, movement control, and body awareness. Jumping also helps release endorphins, boosting mood and emotional regulation while keeping kids entertained. Plus, jumping activities like those used in occupational therapy enhance motor skills and sensory processing.

Get your children jumping to enjoy endless fun while stimulating their sensory systems and enhancing their overall well-being with their own Jungle Jumparoo!

Dance-Along Videos

Dance-along videos are a fantastic way to combine movement and learning in an engaging and creative format. Popular options like "GoNoodle" or "Just Dance Kids" encourage children to follow along with choreographed routines and boost their motor skills, rhythm, and coordination. Beyond the physical benefits, these activities promote focus, listening skills, and memory as kids repeat the steps.

Dress-Up and Pretend Play

Dress-up and pretend play encourage children to use their imaginations while incorporating movement into learning. Pretending to be a firefighter or a dancer allows kids to explore creative scenarios while developing motor skills and spatial awareness. Dressing up and acting out roles also foster social-emotional skills such as empathy and communication, making it a playful yet impactful way to support cognitive and emotional growth.  

How Different Age Groups Benefit from Movement in Learning

The benefits of movement and learning span all ages, with each age group experiencing unique advantages. While children often use movement to build the foundation of their cognitive and motor skills, teens and adults can harness it to boost focus, memory, overall brain health, and lifelong development. 

Early Childhood (3-6 Years)

During early childhood, movement and learning play an important role in developing essential motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness. Activities like jumping, running, and dancing stimulate brain development and lay the foundation for future cognitive and physical growth.

School-Age Children (7-12 Years) 

For school-age children, movement and learning help to hone focus, memory retention, and academic performance. Activities like team sports, active play, or dance improve physical fitness while fostering social skills and emotional regulation. These activities also develop children’s confidence in both academic and personal settings. 

Adolescents (13-18 Years)

In adolescence, movement and learning support critical cognitive functions like decision-making, emotional regulation, and concentration. Physical activities like sports, yoga, or dance can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and enhance academic performance by improving memory and concentration. Teens who stay active can maintain their physical health while developing the mental resilience needed for their challenging and formative years.

Adults and Lifelong Learners 

For adults, movement and learning are essential for maintaining cognitive function, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Regular physical activity, such as walking, stretching, or strength training, can improve memory, focus, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for personal and professional growth. 

Embracing movement in learning throughout adulthood helps keep the brain sharp, reduces stress, and supports continuous development at any age.

 

Simple Tips to Get Your Body Moving for Better Learning 

Combining movement and learning activities is easier than you might think:

1. Schedule regular movement breaks. Adding simple movement breaks throughout the day to stretch or walk can improve focus and cognitive function.
2. Encourage easy physical activities like dancing and jumping jacks that can be done at home and in the classroom to keep kids active and engaged. 
3. Use movement to reinforce learning concepts. Acting out a story or using physical objects to demonstrate math problems is a good example. You can also use tools like the Jungle Jumparoo, which is compact and easy to set up, making it a perfect addition to any learning environment. 

 

Key Takeaways

Movement doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s important to make it happen. Even small, simple activities like stretching, dancing, or jumping can significantly benefit cognitive function, memory, and focus. Consider using tools like the Jungle Jumparoo to make learning more effective and fun while boosting brain health.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out some commonly asked questions and learn more about the benefits of movement in learning.

• What are some examples of movement-based learning activities?
  
  Movement-based learning activities include dancing, jumping, hopscotch, or even incorporating physical actions into learning tasks like acting out a story or solving math problems with gestures.
  
  
• Is movement beneficial for learning of all ages?
  
  Yes! Movement can improve cognitive function, focus, and memory retention for people of all age groups, from young children to adults and lifelong learners.
  
  
• What are some ways to incorporate movement into daily learning routines?
  
  You can incorporate movement in learning through short movement breaks, interactive activities like dancing along to educational videos, or using tools like the Jungle Jumparoo to keep kids physically active while learning.
  
  
• How often should movement breaks be included in learning sessions?
  
  Movement breaks should happen every 20-30 minutes during learning sessions to help maintain focus and cognitive function that lead to better engagement and retention.
  
  
• How does movement help with focus and attention?
  
  Movement and learning activate brain areas responsible for focus and attention, ultimately boosting concentration, reducing restlessness, and improving overall cognitive performance.