Movement might be one of the most underrated tools for learning that we have. 💡 In a large systematic review, researchers looked at what happens when children learn through movement. They studied movements like acting out stories, jumping while solving math problems, running to number lines, or learning vocabulary through physical play. What they found was consistent across dozens of studies: 🤸‍♂️Children who learned through movement showed improvements in physical activity levels, motor skills, attention, and academic performance. And it makes sense when you think about how children learn best. Movement increases engagement. It activates multiple sensory systems at once. It gives children a chance to physically experience concepts instead of only hearing or seeing them. When a child jumps to solve a math problem, acts out a vocabulary word, or uses their body while learning, the brain is building stronger connections between movement, memory, attention, and understanding. 🧠 Researchers also found improvements in things like: • on-task behavior • executive functioning • motor coordination • recall and learning retention • classroom engagement Sometimes the most effective learning moments don’t happen sitting still at a table. They happen while hopping, climbing, balancing, pretending, exploring, and moving through the world. For young children especially, movement IS learning. 💛 Share this with a parent who worries their child “can’t sit still.” 🫶 Read the research: Petrigna, L., Thomas, E., Brusa, J., Rizzo, F., Scardina, A., Galassi, C., Lo Verde, D., Caramazza, G., & Bellafiore, M. (2022). Does Learning Through Movement Improve Academic Performance in Primary Schoolchildren? A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 10, 841582. @growing.giorgios ❤️