There is a link between movement and cognition. Physical activities will help children to pay more attention and behave better in class. Physical movements and activities can improve other abilities of the child, for instance: Crawling, walking, reaching and turning can improve hand-eye coordination, big-motor skills and prewriting ability. Stacking blocks or other toys and playing different games can improve the child’s logical thinking and problem-solving ability. Physical movement is essential to learning.

Movement is part of the very foundation of all learning. We should not underestimate the importance of movement in the education of children. If a child is insecure, he/she will spend more time doing less exploratory activities like hitting and banging the toys. If the child has a physical and movement advantage, he will experience a positive self-image as well as a sense of security and safety.

There is a link between movement and cognition. Many learning structures depend on the integration of body awareness, movement and life-experience. Directional orientation is very important to develop language and early literacy skills such as spelling and reading. Movement is a tool subject and it opens many doors to learning. Physical activities will help children to pay more attention and behave better in class.

When children are in Kindergarten, they have to develop their gross motor skills like running, climbing, jumping, throwing and catching a ball. They also need to develop their fine motor skills, like painting, cutting, drawing and writing.

Physical movements and activities can improve other abilities of the child, for instance: crawling, walking, reaching and turning can improve hand-eye coordination, big-motor skills and prewriting ability. Spinning, dancing, balancing and rolling can improve bicycle riding, writing skills, sporting ability, reading skills, fine-motor coordination and balance. Playing together can improve social skills, security and confidence.


Stacking blocks or other toys and playing different games can improve the child’s logical thinking and problem-solving ability. Ball-handling is also very important. Activities such as rolling, throwing, catching, hitting and kicking improve hand-eye coordination, laterality, balance and directionality. You can start with a big ball and when they mastered these skills, you can change it will a smaller one.


Rhythm is also a big part of movement and has strong visual, kinesthetic and additive components. It is a precondition for future reading and writing. To incorporate music with movement is an excellent learning medium.

These are just a few examples of how important physical movement is for a child. I’m very happy that we can provide that to all the children at Happy Marian every day during morning-exercise or when we play in the park or Wonder Island. Physical movement is essential to learning.

大安 P3外師Lindie le Roux / University of South Africa/TESOL cert.