Physical Activity & Its Role in Cognitive Development
As parents, we often focus on reading levels, math scores, and homework completion when thinking about our children’s education. But one key ingredient to academic success is often overlooked: physical activity. Beyond the obvious health benefits, movement plays a vital role in brain development, learning ability, and emotional well-being.
The Link Between Movement and Learning
Studies have consistently shown a strong link between movement and academic performance. Children who are regularly active tend to:
- Score higher on standardized tests
- Display better classroom behavior
- Show greater motivation and persistence in learning tasks
Activities that combine movement with learning (like clapping syllables or doing math relay races) are especially powerful, reinforcing knowledge through kinesthetic engagement.
Daily Movement Ideas
Set a Daily Movement Goal – Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
Take Family Walks or Bike Rides – Mornings or evenings are cooler and perfect for movement.
Create a Backyard Obstacle Course – Use cones, hula hoops, jump ropes, and chalk.
Plan Active “Recess” Times – Schedule outdoor play breaks like in school.
Dance Party Indoors – Turn up the music and let them dance it out when it’s too hot outside.
Outdoor Fun
Visit Local Parks and Playgrounds – Try a new one each week for variety.
Go on Nature Walks or Hikes – Bring a scavenger hunt list to make it more engaging.
Play Classic Games – Teach games like tag, kickball, or red light/green light.
Water Play Activities – Sprinklers, water balloons, or a kiddie pool offer active fun and cooling relief.
Try Geocaching – A real-world treasure hunt using a smartphone app.
Connected Pick
GoNoodle
GoNoodle offers short, energetic videos that get kids moving in fun and silly ways. From guided dance routines to mindfulness exercises. It’s a great tool for parents to keep their kids active during study breaks or transitions at home.
Get GoNoodle
Unplugged Activities
Obstacle Course Learning
Set up a simple obstacle course in your backyard or living room, then assign a learning task at each station, like solving a math problem before jumping rope or spelling a word before crawling through a tunnel. It’s a fantastic way to combine fun, physical play with learning.