MOVEMENT AND LEARNING

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Balance, coordination, spatial awareness, directionality, and visual literacy are developed [when movement is used in learning]. These components are developed as children roll, creep, crawl, spin, twirl, bounce, balance, walk, jump, juggle, and support their weight in space. Self-awareness, self-esteem and social skills are also enhanced through movement (Lengel & Kuczala 2010).

Crawling is a cross-lateral movement that activates both hemispheres of the brain in a balanced way... [which] heightens cognitive functions and increases learning. Activities such as reading, writing, thinking clearly, and problem solving are skills that involve both hemispheres of the brain. Cross lateral movements help the hemispheres to work together (Hannaford, Smart Moves).

Try showing or helping your child to cross arms and then tickle their toes while sitting, standing and bending, or kicking forwards or backwards. And doing this to a musical beat is even more fun!