Article verified by the Tequesta pedagogical team, based on daily work with children aged 1.5–6 years at our bilingual preschool in Warsaw.
Children learn about the world with their whole bodies. In the first years of life, movement is not only a natural need but also an important element supporting cognitive development. Running, jumping, climbing, or dancing are not just forms of play for a preschooler – they are also ways of developing concentration, memory, and thinking skills.
More and more research shows that physical activity and the learning process are closely connected. Movement supports brain function and helps children absorb new information more effectively.
Movement as a Natural Way of Discovering the World
Young children learn about reality through action. They touch, experiment, move around, and observe how their bodies respond to different situations. In this way, they build a basic understanding of space, relationships between objects, and their own abilities.
When a child climbs on a playground, overcomes obstacles, or runs with peers, they develop not only physical fitness but also the ability to plan and make decisions. Every movement requires the brain to analyze the situation and coordinate actions. In this way, physical activity becomes a foundation for cognitive development.
At Tequesta preschool, physical activity is an integral part of our daily programme. Our rooms are designed to give children space to move, and every day includes time outdoors – regardless of the weather. We observe that children who have regular opportunities for physical activity are calmer, more focused, and more willing to engage in tasks that require sustained attention.
The Impact of Movement on Brain Function
During physical activity, many processes take place in the brain that support learning. Movement increases blood flow, which helps nerve cells receive more oxygen and nutrients. This improves concentration and the brain’s ability to process information.
Physical activity also stimulates the production of chemical substances that support the development of connections between neurons. As a result, a child’s brain becomes more flexible and better prepared to learn new skills.
Regular movement can therefore improve memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.
Movement, Concentration, and Self-Regulation
For many preschoolers, sitting still for long periods is difficult. The need for movement is natural and related to their stage of development. When children have the opportunity to be physically active, they are better able to focus later on tasks that require attention.
A short movement break, outdoor play, or physical exercises help release tension and excess energy. After such activity, children often return to learning tasks calmer and more focused.
Movement also supports the development of self-regulation – the ability to control emotions and behavior.
Learning Through Movement
In preschool education, methods that combine learning with physical activity are becoming increasingly common. Children can learn numbers through jumping, practice letters during movement games, or explore spatial concepts through various forms of physical play.
This approach makes learning more engaging and easier to understand. A child does not only listen or observe but also acts and experiences.
Combining movement with learning supports memory and helps reinforce new knowledge.
The Role of Preschool and the Environment
The environment in which a child grows and learns has a significant impact on development. Preschools should provide space for a variety of physical activities – both indoors and outdoors.
Movement games, dancing, team activities, and sports classes allow children to develop coordination, balance, and body awareness. At the same time, they encourage interaction with peers and the building of relationships.
In this way, movement becomes a natural part of the everyday learning process.
Movement as the Foundation of Balanced Development
Physical activity supports not only a child’s health and fitness but also cognitive and emotional development. Movement helps improve concentration, strengthens memory, and encourages creative thinking.
That is why it is so important for children to have daily opportunities for free physical activity. In a world that increasingly requires young children to sit still and focus, movement remains one of the most important elements supporting natural development.
Through movement, children discover their abilities, learn about the world, and prepare themselves for the next stages of education.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
Why is movement important for a child's cognitive development? Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, supports the formation of connections between neurons, and improves concentration. Children who move regularly absorb new information more effectively and remember it better.
How much movement does a preschool-aged child need? According to WHO guidelines, children aged three to five should be physically active for at least three hours a day – including both spontaneous play and organised physical activities.
Is sitting at tables in preschool bad for children? Prolonged sitting without movement breaks is not beneficial for development. A good preschool alternates tasks that require focus with physical activity, giving children regular opportunities to release energy.
How can learning and movement be combined at home? Through movement-based activities with an educational element – jumping on numbers, repeating letters during dance, solving riddles on a walk. Even a short active break before learning can significantly improve a child's concentration.
Does movement help children who struggle with concentration? Yes – regular physical activity supports the development of self-regulation, which is the ability to control emotions and sustain attention. It is frequently recommended as part of the support approach for children with concentration difficulties.
