How movement wires the brain for learning
When bodies move, brains wake up. Movement gives the nervous system the input it needs to focus, remember, and communicate. It is not just a break from learning. It is a way to make learning stick.
Regulation first: Big muscle activity and deep pressure feed the proprioceptive system. This helps kids feel grounded, which reduces fidgeting and frees up attention for instruction.
Memory and attention: Short bursts of movement can boost alertness and working memory by increasing oxygen and helpful brain chemicals. Pairing new information with a motion or gesture also gives the brain a second pathway to retrieve it later.
Language and rhythm: Clapping, marching, and chanting use timing and sequencing, skills that support following directions and expressive language. Rhythm makes patterns easier to hear, say, and recall.
Sensory needs matter: Spinning, jumping, or pushing brings vestibular and proprioceptive input that can steady arousal levels. Most children on the autism spectrum show differences in sensory processing, which can affect attention and learning (American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2007).
Move the body, anchor the learning.
Try weaving movement into the lesson itself, not just between lessons. Small, planned doses often work best.
- Teach with gestures: Create a hand sign or motion for new vocabulary or math operations, then use it while practicing.
- Wall work: Tape problems or sight words around the room. Learners walk, read, solve, and check.
- Heavy work before sitting: Chair push-ups, wall pushes, or carrying books helps many kids settle for table work.
- Rhythm routines: Clap syllables, march while skip-counting, or tap out sentence beats.
- Movement choices: Offer two options, like scooter pulls or animal walks, to meet sensory needs without overstimulation.
- Micro-breaks: Set a timer for 2 minutes of stretch, breathe, and reset between tasks.
Notice the response. If movement ramps a child up, shift to slower, heavier inputs like pushing, pulling, or isometrics. If energy is low, use brief, upbeat actions like jumping jacks or cross-body taps, then return to learning.
Educators, therapists, and families can collaborate to build movement-rich routines that match a child’s sensory profile and goals. With consistent practice, the body becomes a partner in learning, not a distraction from it.