Movement and the Brain

Movement and the Brain: How Activity Supports Learning and Development

We all know that exercise is good for the body, stronger muscles, better heart health, more stamina. But did you know that movement is just as important for the brain? Recent research shows that physical activity helps kids think better, learn faster, and even regulate their emotions more effectively (Mercola, 2012).

So how does exercise actually improve learning? When children move, their brains get a boost in several ways:

1. Increased blood and oxygen flow – making the brain work at its best.

2. Growth factors for new nerve cells and stronger connections – supporting memory, problem-solving, and flexibility.

3. “Feel-good” hormones like endorphins – reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being.
   
   

Now, some parents worry: “If my child spends more time exercising, won’t they have less time to study?” I get it. My mother said the exact same thing 20 years ago when I joined the school track and hockey teams. (Ok, I lie… her exact words were actually: “Only know how to play play play, where got time to study???”) But research and experience both tell a different story: active kids often focus better, retain information more effectively, and can even perform better academically.

For example, a program at Naperville Central High School gave students access to exercise opportunities throughout the day, and the results were remarkable. Students nearly doubled their reading scores and showed significant gains in math! Even just 30 minutes on a treadmill has been shown to improve problem-solving skills by up to 10%.

From an RDI perspective, this makes perfect sense. When children are physically active, they are calmer, more regulated, and better able to engage in guided learning, take perspective, and tackle challenges with confidence. Structured movement is not just “fun”, it’s a tool to help children pause, reset, and think more dynamically.

And from personal experience? Kids with busy schedules, sports, or active breaks often manage their time better and even end up learning more efficiently than if they were sedentary all day.

So, let’s get moving! Even short, structured activities between tasks can help children regulate emotions, refresh attention, and return to learning fully engaged. And in the context of RDI®, that’s a step toward stronger thinking, better self-regulation, and more meaningful engagement in life.

Practical RDI® Tips: Integrating Movement

• Short movement breaks: Pause every 30–45 minutes of guided activity for 3–5 minutes of stretching, hopping, or ball activities.

• Incorporate movement into learning: Use games, obstacle courses, or physical tasks to practice perspective-taking, sequencing, or problem-solving.

• Regulate before challenges: Start demanding tasks with a quick active warm-up to reduce stress and increase focus.

• Spotlight effort: Celebrate the child’s engagement during movement, not just outcomes (“I loved how you tried all those jumps and kept going!”).

Contributed by 

Chee Hong Yin

Psychologist

Children's Partnership