If I ask you to imagine a classroom where learning is happening, what you visualize?
Generally we would picture this as perfectly quiet, kids sitting in perfectly arranged rows & sitting perfectly still, engrossed in their activities.
However this is very contrary to how learning happens, specially if it comes to a class of preschoolers. Movement is an extremely important part of the learning process.
It engages more of the brain in the learning process & enhances learning and memory retention.
Research proves that movement also helps the brain to work more optimally, by generating more oxygen and blood flow to the brain, along with chemicals that promote focus, motivation, memory, and mood.
Additionally, we know that teaching children go beyond the brain. Children are developing not only their cognitive skills but also fine motor skills, large motor skills, language skills, social skills and many more. These skills are not learnt effectively when children sit still. They need to move, interact, handle things and actively engage with their environment.
So please don’t get paranoid if you see children moving, running & fidgeting during a classroom session. Please don’t judge a class as being restless & indisiplined. School preparation isn’t necessary required to be sedentary schooling.
Young kids need to move to learn today, and they must move to prepare themselves to learn in the future.
-Divya Joshi
