As educators, we’re always searching for ways to help our students not just learn, but truly remember what they’ve learned. One of the most exciting and effective strategies for this? Incorporating movement into lessons. Research has shown that when students engage their bodies in learning activities, it supercharges the brain’s ability to store new information in long-term memory. Movement isn’t just for PE—it can be a game changer in math, science, social studies, and more!
Why Movement Matters for Memory
When we move, we increase blood flow to the brain, stimulating neural activity and making it easier to focus and retain information. But there’s even more to it! Engaging in physical activity while learning taps into a concept called embodied cognition, which suggests that our body’s movements can help solidify mental processes.
This means when students connect a concept with a physical action, they’re more likely to lock that information in long-term memory. For example, associating vocabulary words with gestures or using hand motions to represent math operations doesn’t just make the lesson fun—it makes it stick.
The Science Behind Memory and Movement
Memory, particularly the ability to transfer knowledge into long-term storage, relies heavily on types of practice known as elaborative encoding and retrieval practice. Here’s how they work:
- Elaborative Encoding: This is when we link new information to something meaningful. Movement makes this easier! For instance, pairing a science concept like photosynthesis with a dance that represents the flow of energy through a plant’s leaves can create a memorable experience. The act of physically “becoming” part of the process helps reinforce understanding.
- Retrieval Practice: The more we recall information, the more solidly it becomes stored in long-term memory. Movement can make retrieval practice more engaging and effective. Games like “Simon Says” or “Four Corners” where students have to move to show their answers create a fun, interactive way to practice recalling information. The added bonus? Students don’t even realize they’re drilling content because they’re too busy having fun!
Types of Movement That Work
Not all movement is created equal. To maximize the benefits, it’s helpful to incorporate intentional and structured movement into lessons:
- Gestures and Hand Motions: Having students create hand motions for concepts (like mimicking the rotation of planets around the sun) can help cement understanding in both their brains and bodies.
- Physical Games: Games that require moving around the room, like matching cards on different walls or standing up for true/false questions, make recalling information active and fun.
- Kinesthetic Learning: Build learning stations where students physically manipulate objects. Whether it’s using blocks to visualize math problems or arranging sentence strips on the floor for grammar, hands-on activities deepen understanding.
- Whole-Body Engagement: Don’t shy away from getting the whole class up and moving! Have them act out historical events, perform science experiments that require movement, or create group dances related to learning themes.
Energize and Excite Learning!
When we add movement to lessons, we’re doing more than giving students a “brain break.” We’re actively increasing their chances of remembering what they’ve learned. Studies have shown that students who engage in movement during learning tasks retain more information and are better able to recall it later than those who remain stationary. Plus, it breaks the monotony of sitting at desks all day, keeping energy and enthusiasm high in your classroom.
So next time you’re planning a lesson, think about how you can incorporate movement into it. Maybe your students can hop to different math problems taped to the floor, or perhaps they can mimic the weather cycle with hand motions. Whatever it is, you’ll not only create a dynamic and lively learning environment, but you’ll also be laying the groundwork for deep, long-term learning.
Movement isn’t just a tool for engagement—it’s a memory booster, too. Let’s get our students up and moving toward success!
Looking for a simple way to add movement to your math lessons? Click HERE for a FREE movement in math activity! Check out all the other problem trails available on Kile’s Classroom!
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