Smart Moves

1. Movement is essential for learning and brain development

"Learning is not all in your head."

Movement activates learning. Physical activity stimulates brain growth, enhances neural connections, and improves cognitive function. The vestibular system, activated by movement, is crucial for balance, spatial awareness, and attention. Cross-lateral movements, like crawling and walking, strengthen connections between brain hemispheres.

Benefits of movement for learning:

• Increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain
• Stimulates production of neurotrophins (brain growth factors)
• Enhances neural plasticity and new cell growth
• Improves attention, focus, and memory

Studies show that regular physical activity improves academic performance, especially in math and reading. Simple movements like Brain Gym exercises, walking, or dance can significantly enhance learning capacity and cognitive function throughout life.

2. Sensory experiences build neural networks and shape thinking

"Images derived from our sensory experience are the stuff of thought and creativity."

Sensory input shapes neural pathways. From early development, our senses provide the raw material for building complex neural networks. These networks form the basis for our understanding of the world, our ability to learn, and our capacity for creative thinking.

Key sensory systems for learning:

• Vestibular (balance and spatial awareness)
• Auditory (hearing and language)
• Visual
• Tactile (touch)
• Proprioceptive (body awareness)

Rich sensory environments in early childhood are crucial for optimal brain development. This includes opportunities for movement, exploration, and varied sensory experiences. Even in adulthood, engaging multiple senses enhances learning and memory formation.

3. Emotions play a crucial role in learning and memory

"Emotions are not a form of thought, not an additional way to think, not a special cognitive bonus, but are fundamental to thought."

Emotions drive learning. The limbic system, which processes emotions, is intimately connected with memory formation and cognitive function. Positive emotions enhance learning, while stress and negative emotions can inhibit it.

Ways emotions impact learning:

• Influence attention and focus
• Enhance or inhibit memory formation
• Affect motivation and engagement
• Shape social interactions and relationships

Creating emotionally positive learning environments is crucial. This includes fostering safe, supportive relationships, encouraging emotional expression, and incorporating play and creativity into learning experiences.

4. The brain's plasticity allows for lifelong learning and adaptation

"Neural plasticity is an intrinsic, beneficial characteristic of the nervous system that gives us both the ability to learn, and the ability to adapt in response to damage — to relearn."

Brain plasticity enables continuous growth. The brain's ability to form new neural connections and reorganize existing ones allows for lifelong learning and adaptation. This plasticity is particularly pronounced in children but continues throughout adulthood.

Factors that enhance brain plasticity:

• Novel experiences and challenges
• Physical exercise
• Learning new skills
• Social interaction
• Adequate sleep and nutrition

Understanding brain plasticity challenges traditional notions of fixed intelligence or learning abilities. It emphasizes the importance of providing diverse, challenging learning experiences throughout life to maintain cognitive health and adaptability.

5. Stress inhibits learning and impacts brain function

"Stress creates a circle of frustration for everyone concerned."

Chronic stress impairs learning. While some stress can enhance performance, chronic or excessive stress negatively impacts brain function and learning capacity. Stress hormones like cortisol can damage brain cells, particularly in areas crucial for memory and learning.

Effects of chronic stress on learning:

• Impairs memory formation and recall
• Reduces ability to focus and pay attention
• Inhibits creative thinking and problem-solving
• Can lead to anxiety and depression

Effective stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, are crucial for maintaining optimal learning capacity. Creating low-stress learning environments is equally important, especially for children.

6. Traditional education often neglects important aspects of learning

"Our educational system does little to encourage holistic, intuitive, image-based (as opposed to verbal-based) thinking."

Holistic learning is undervalued. Many traditional educational approaches focus heavily on verbal and logical-mathematical skills while neglecting other crucial aspects of intelligence and learning. This can disadvantage students with different learning styles or strengths.

Neglected aspects of learning in traditional education:

• Kinesthetic and spatial intelligence
• Emotional intelligence and social skills
• Creative and intuitive thinking
• Practical, real-world problem-solving

Alternative educational approaches, such as Montessori, Waldorf, or multiple intelligences-based curricula, often better address these neglected aspects. Incorporating more diverse learning experiences and assessment methods can help create a more inclusive and effective educational system.

7. Integrative movements and play enhance cognitive function

"Play represents full body/mind integration, with masses of neurons being devoted specifically to the generation of rough-and-tumble play."

Play activates whole-brain learning. Integrative movements and play engage multiple brain areas simultaneously, enhancing neural connections and cognitive function. These activities are particularly crucial for children's development but benefit learners of all ages.

Benefits of integrative movements and play:

• Enhance coordination and motor skills
• Improve attention and focus
• Boost creativity and problem-solving abilities
• Develop social and emotional skills

Examples of beneficial activities include cross-lateral movements (like Brain Gym exercises), sports, dance, music, and creative play. Incorporating these activities into daily routines and educational settings can significantly enhance learning outcomes.

8. Nurturing environments and relationships are vital for optimal learning

"Developmental experts agree that the only factor shown to optimize children's intellectual potential is a secure, trusting relationship with their parents and/or caregivers."

Relationships shape brain development. Safe, supportive relationships and environments are crucial for optimal brain development and learning. This begins with early parent-child bonds and extends to relationships with teachers and peers throughout life.

Characteristics of nurturing learning environments:

• Emotionally supportive and responsive caregivers
• Safe exploration and risk-taking
• Rich sensory experiences
• Opportunities for social interaction and play
• Respect for individual differences and learning styles

Creating such environments in homes, schools, and communities can significantly enhance learning outcomes and overall well-being for learners of all ages.

9. Alternative educational approaches can better support natural learning processes

"The Danish public school students don't begin school until age seven and are not tested until approximately age fourteen."

Natural learning rhythms matter. Many alternative educational approaches, such as those in Denmark or Waldorf schools, align more closely with natural developmental stages and learning processes. These approaches often emphasize holistic development, play-based learning, and delayed formal academic instruction.

Key features of effective alternative approaches:

• Delayed start to formal academics (age 6-7)
• Emphasis on play and exploration in early years
• Integration of arts, movement, and practical skills
• Focus on social-emotional development
• Less emphasis on standardized testing

While not all elements of these systems may be directly transferable to other contexts, they offer valuable insights for improving educational practices globally. Incorporating more developmentally appropriate practices and a broader view of intelligence and learning can enhance educational outcomes for all learners.

Last updated: October 6, 2024