Teacher Ilva explains the benefits of learning through movement

What is learning through movement?

At SpringWijs Primary School, learning through movement is woven into the very fabric of the school. For example, the school has offered physical education classes three times a week for years. All kinds of creative ways to teach children the curriculum have also been introduced. But what does this form of learning involve? Teacher Ilva: “Simply put: learning while you are moving.”

At this school, children jog or jump during explanations. “For all kinds of learning objectives, we come up with an active game, such as in grade 3, where children learn to read words through a relay race.” This way of teaching is, incidentally, a supplement to language-based education—the standard approach. The variation is what makes it so successful.

Countless benefits

According to Teacher Ilva, exercise is crucial for children. “They have an even shorter attention span than adults; after sitting still for a while, they become distracted.” By integrating movement into the learning process, they remain focused and can process the material better. This makes learning more enjoyable while also keeping them healthy and active.

In addition, every child has different learning needs. Sitting still and listening is only suitable for some of them. Teacher Ilva: “With this form of teaching, you reach many more students and no one is left out. The result: more children feel that their learning needs are being heard, which in turn gives them confidence.”

How to apply it

Incorporating learning through movement into your lessons does not have to be complicated. “You can get children moving in simple ways. For example, make a pile of numbers and letters. Have the children sort them into two piles in different places in the classroom: one with letters and one with numbers. This way, they learn the difference between the two symbols.”

Teacher Ilva sees learning through movement as the perfect opportunity to use her theater skills and let her creativity flow. “Sometimes I play the ‘paper thief’ and secretly steal numbers and letters during the game. The children become completely absorbed in it. So much fun!”