The Science of Learning Through Movement: Why Active Play Matters

As early years professionals and parents ourselves, we observe daily how children naturally learn through movement. From babies reaching for objects to toddlers climbing and jumping, physical activity isn't separate from learning - it's fundamental to how young brains develop and process information.

The Brain-Body Connection in Early Years

How Movement Builds Brains

Physical activity directly supports brain development through:

Increased blood flow delivering oxygen and nutrients to developing brain tissue
Neural pathway formation as children coordinate complex movements
Integration between brain hemispheres through cross-lateral movements
Release of growth factors that support new brain cell development

Critical Periods for Motor Development

The early years represent crucial windows for:

Basic motor patterns that form the foundation for all future movement
Spatial awareness and understanding of body in space
Balance and coordination that support confidence and safety
Fine motor precision necessary for later academic tasks

Types of Movement and Their Learning Benefits

Gross Motor Development

Large muscle movements support:

Executive function through complex movement planning
Working memory by holding movement sequences in mind
Attention regulation through physical outlets for energy
Social skills through cooperative physical play

Examples of beneficial activities:

Climbing playground equipment or furniture (safely supervised)
Dancing to music with varying rhythms and patterns
Playing catch or rolling balls back and forth
Running, jumping, and hopping games

Fine Motor Development

Small muscle control enables:

Hand-eye coordination essential for later writing
Bilateral coordination using both hands together effectively
Precise manipulation of tools and materials
Visual-motor integration connecting what eyes see with hand actions

Examples of beneficial activities:

Threading large beads or pasta shapes
Using tongs or tweezers to pick up small objects
Drawing, colouring, and early mark-making
Building with small blocks or construction toys

Cross-Lateral Movements

Activities that cross the body's midline support:

Brain integration between left and right hemispheres
Reading readiness through visual tracking skills
Complex thinking requiring multiple brain areas to work together
Coordination for sports and physical activities

Examples of cross-lateral activities:

Reaching across the body to pick up objects
Marching while touching opposite hand to knee
Drawing large figure-8 patterns in the air
Playing simple songs with hand movements

Movement and Academic Readiness

Pre-Writing Skills Through Movement

Before children can hold pencils effectively:

Shoulder stability develops through climbing and reaching activities
Core strength builds through rolling, crawling, and balancing
Hand strength develops through squeezing, pulling, and manipulating
Finger control refines through picking up small objects

Mathematical Concepts Through Physical Play

Movement activities naturally teach:

Spatial relationships (over, under, beside, between)
Counting and number sense through jumping, clapping, or stepping
Patterns and sequences through dance and movement games
Measurement concepts through comparing distances and heights

Language Development Through Action

Physical activities support communication by:

Providing rich vocabulary for describing actions and positions
Encouraging verbal planning of movement sequences
Supporting narrative skills through active storytelling
Building confidence for verbal expression through physical success

Indoor Movement Solutions

Creating Active Spaces in Small Areas

Even limited space can support movement:

Use vertical space with hanging objects to reach for
Create obstacle courses using household furniture and cushions
Designate movement times when furniture can be temporarily rearranged
Use hallways and stairs (safely) for movement activities

Weather-Independent Activities

For days when outdoor play isn't possible:

Dance parties with scarves, ribbons, or musical instruments
Yoga or stretching routines adapted for young children
Indoor ball games using soft balls or balloons
Movement songs that incorporate actions and coordination

Incorporating Movement into Daily Routines

Walking or marching to transitions between activities
Reaching and stretching during cleanup time
Balance challenges while waiting (standing on one foot, heel-to-toe walking)
Heavy work activities like pushing/pulling laundry baskets or carrying groceries

Supporting Different Developmental Needs

For Children Who Seek Movement

Some children have high movement needs:

Provide regular opportunities for vigorous physical activity
Use movement breaks to support attention and focus
Incorporate fidget tools during seated activities
Understand that movement helps rather than hinders their learning

For Children Who Avoid Movement

Some children may be cautious about physical activities:

Start with gentle, supported movement experiences
Build confidence gradually through successful small challenges
Respect their pace while still providing opportunities
Focus on fun and exploration rather than performance

For Children with Movement Differences

Every child can benefit from movement:

Adapt activities to individual abilities and needs
Focus on effort and participation rather than specific outcomes
Provide appropriate support to enable safe participation
Celebrate all forms of movement and physical engagement

The Role of Risk and Challenge

Appropriate Risk-Taking

Children need opportunities to:

Test their physical limits safely
Experience manageable challenges that build confidence
Learn about consequences of different movement choices
Develop judgment about safety and risk

Supporting Safe Exploration

Adults can:

Provide appropriate supervision without over-protecting
Create safe environments for exploration and challenge
Teach safety awareness through experience and guidance
Model confidence in children's physical capabilities

Movement and Emotional Regulation

Physical Activity as Emotional Outlet

Movement helps children:

Release tension and stress through physical activity
Process emotions through rhythmic and repetitive movements
Build confidence through physical mastery and success
Develop body awareness that supports emotional understanding

Calming Movement Activities

Some movements specifically support regulation:

Rhythmic activities like swinging or rocking
Deep pressure activities like crawling through tunnels
Slow, controlled movements like stretching or gentle yoga
Bilateral activities like marching or cross-lateral exercises

Technology and Movement

Balancing Screen Time with Active Time

Use active screen time when technology is used (dancing to videos, movement games)
Take movement breaks every 15-20 minutes during screen activities
Choose interactive content that encourages physical participation
Prioritize real movement over virtual movement experiences

Using Technology to Support Movement

Movement apps that guide physical activities
Music streaming for dance and movement sessions
Timer apps for movement breaks and activity changes
Video calls for active play with distant family members

Our Approach to Movement and Learning

When we open late in 2026, our movement-rich environment will include:

Daily opportunities for both indoor and outdoor physical activity
Integration of movement into all areas of learning and development
Individual support for children with varying movement needs and preferences
Safe challenge that builds confidence and physical competence
Partnership with families to support active lifestyles at home

Remember, movement isn't a break from learning - it's an essential component of how young children develop cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. Every opportunity for active play is an investment in your child's overall development.

Looking for early years provision that prioritises active learning and movement-rich environments? Join our waiting list to discover our approach to supporting development through physical activity when we open late in 2026.