When my son was preparing to enter preschool, I was most worried about his inability to stay seated. At just four years old, being still wasn’t his forte—and truthfully, it still isn’t. I challenge anyone to show me a four-year-old who can sit quietly for a long time; it’s an uncommon skill among this age group.
At this stage, children are eager to explore their surroundings, and one of the most effective ways to do that is through movement. Anyone who has spent time with preschoolers knows that expecting them to remain still for extended durations is an exercise in futility. Yet, this expectation persists in some educational settings.
Who determined that young children learn best while sitting quietly and listening? Clearly, they haven’t spent more than a few minutes with a gaggle of three-, four-, and five-year-olds. Generally, these kids can only maintain focus for about ten minutes before they start squirming. Once that restlessness sets in, any chance of teaching them something effectively fades away.
Simply put, children—especially preschoolers—require physical activity to learn effectively. There’s a wealth of scientific evidence highlighting the link between movement and learning. For instance, the book Teaching with the Brain in Mind dedicates an entire chapter to how movement enhances learning. The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain, is the hub for motor control and houses nearly half of the brain’s neurons. Research by Dr. Andrew Martin and his team at a prominent medical center indicates a pathway from the cerebellum to the areas of the brain responsible for memory, attention, and spatial awareness—key components for young children to absorb and retain knowledge.
Numerous studies referenced in the book illustrate the positive correlation between physical activity and learning outcomes for kids. Many preschool games may appear to be mere play at first glance, but they serve as valuable educational tools. For instance, a game like Simon Says teaches children to follow directions while requiring them to be actively engaged. Engaging in activities like building with blocks also fosters essential problem-solving skills. It’s vital to remember that play equates to learning.
Remaining sedentary isn’t beneficial for anyone, not even adults. In an office setting, we typically have the freedom to move around at will, knowing that prolonged sitting is detrimental to our health. We often take breaks to walk around, even if it’s just a quick trip to the restroom. If adults recognize the importance of movement, why do we deny our children that same freedom?
“When children move, they stimulate the nerve cells essential for cognitive functions,” explains Dr. Lisa Thompson, a child development expert. “This stimulation prepares them for learning.”
In my son’s preschool, children switch activities roughly every 20 minutes, including times spent at tables for math and language arts. A study published in Pediatrics in 2017 concluded that physical activity positively impacts classroom productivity in children. Analyzing 26 studies involving over 10,000 children aged 4 to 13, it was found that incorporating physical education into the day significantly enhances academic performance, particularly in mathematics, while also improving behavior and reading skills.
We need to adjust our expectations for preschoolers to align with their developmental capabilities. It’s unrealistic to expect these little ones to sit quietly for long stretches; this isn’t a secret, yet many educational institutions continue to overlook this fact, which is problematic.
Allowing children to move can also mitigate behavioral issues within the classroom. As Susan Greenfield, a wellness coordinator, points out, “If kids can move around, they’ll expend that excess energy, allowing them to concentrate better and reducing interpersonal conflicts.” Just think about how hyperactive children can be after a day of being cooped up at school—this pent-up energy often leads to meltdowns and mood swings.
One common excuse from schools is the lack of time for physical activity within the school day. As highlighted by Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative, schools should aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. “Many schools express gratitude for the resources available, but they find the information overwhelming,” says Mark Anderson, director of Active Learning, a spin-off of the “Let’s Move” initiative.
It’s essential to recognize that teachers are often caught in a dilemma between meeting the rigorous demands of academic curricula and providing adequate physical activity. There are only so many hours in the school day, and the pressure to meet high educational standards often overshadows the need for kids to move.
Susan also highlights that resistance to change often comes from influential figures who, despite overwhelming evidence, are reluctant to adapt their approaches. They seem to adhere to the mindset of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” but the reality is that the system is quite broken.
Fortunately, we have the solutions at hand. It’s time to implement change.
Summary
Preschoolers naturally have an abundance of energy and struggle to sit still, which is a crucial aspect of their learning process. The connection between physical activity and cognitive development is well-documented, showing that movement enhances learning abilities. Schools must adapt to allow more physical activity for young children, recognizing that sitting still for long periods is unrealistic and counterproductive. By embracing movement, educators can improve focus, reduce behavioral issues, and foster a more effective learning environment.
Keyphrase: preschoolers can’t sit still
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