Hey there, parents of amazing minds! If your child is struggling with maths, feeling left behind, or finding it hard to fit into the traditional classroom mold due to neurodivergence, you’re not alone. Let’s explore a groundbreaking approach that could be the key to unlocking their potential – the powerful link between movement, learning, and neurodiversity.
The Link Between Movement and Maths Mastery
In the world of education, there’s a game-changing tool often overlooked – movement. Recent neuroscience research has uncovered a profound connection between physical activity and cognitive function. Now, let’s see how this connection can be a game-changer, especially for neurodivergent students who march to their unique rhythm.
The Science Behind Movement and Optimising Learning
This great article by Fotini Vasilopoulos, a doctoral researcher at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development at the University of London states, ‘Neuroscientific research focused on improving both executive function and metacognition has identified physical activity interventions may improve aspects of executive function such as working memory, and the ability to reason quickly and think abstractly to solve problems.’
She highlights that ‘Executive function allows us to flexibly adapt our behaviour in the pursuit of a goal by coordinating our thoughts and actions and includes skills such as inhibiting our reaction to the external environment or regulating our emotions or behaviour to complete a task. Strong executive function skills are linked to positive behaviour, healthy choices[6], and greater success at school and in the labour market[7]. Metacognition allows us to reason quickly to solve a problem or be creative and has been linked with being an effective learner.’
Put simply, when our kids engage in physical activity, the brain unleashes mood-boosting chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, promoting better focus, mood, and memory.
As our kids move – be it a simple walk, a good stretch, or more active endeavours – blood flows to their brains, delivering a boost of oxygen and essential nutrients. This creates the perfect playground for neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself. In simpler terms, movement is like a superhero cape for enhanced learning outcomes.
Tailoring Education to Unique Minds: A Paradigm Shift
One of my favourite quotes when it comes to learning is, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Our educational system often follows the one-size-fits-all model, but as parents, we know our children have their own unique strengths and abilities, and it’s unfair to assess individuals based on criteria that may not align with their natural talents or learning styles.
Adapting the Learning Environment: Beyond Sitting Still
For many students, the typical classroom setup can be a battleground. Sitting still and focusing on one task for extended periods can be a real struggle. We’ve got simple yet effective adaptations like movement breaks, learning through play, and an outdoor learning environment with fruit trees, chickens and our puppies that students adore. These tweaks not only benefit neurodivergent students but enhance the learning experience for everyone.
Movement as a Necessity for Neurodivergent Minds
For neurodivergent kids, movement isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. Sensory processing differences mean some kids seek or avoid certain types of movement. So having short movement breaks become essential tools to regulate sensory input and improve focus.
Research even shows that the neurotransmitter boost during physical exercise acts as a natural remedy, complementing other therapeutic interventions.
Incorporating Movement into Learning: A Practical Guide for Parents
Wondering how to bring this movement magic into your child’s education? Schools can do their part, but as parents, we can also play a role. Physical education classes, recess, and extracurricular activities are crucial, but what about weaving movement into the academic fabric? Picture maths lessons with short movement breaks, active learning strategies, kinesthetic elements and nature– its a recipe for success tailored to your child’s needs.
Rethinking Education: A Call to Action for All Parents
In a world that’s evolving faster than we can keep up, our kids deserve an education that adapts to their unique needs. Let’s challenge the status quo, embrace neurodiversity, and recognize movement as a secret weapon for optimal learning.
We love how this article promotes different ideas or strategies that are so simple but effective in reigniting or sparking an interest in learning maths; 10 quick tips for students to fall in love with mathematics
Their top 10 tips include:
1. Practice role plays (Play shop)
2. Play board games (Rumikub, Yahtzee)
3. Use props (dice, paper money, marbles, stones, feathers)
4. Go beyond textbooks (bring the learning to life)
5. Use tutorials (its amazing what ideas you can get from youtube and website such as this)
6. Effectively use technology (websites, audiobooks, videography)
7. Download mobile apps (sparingly in my humber opinion)
8. Learn from real life situations (I have used maths to determine the angle of the roof of a beehive I was building with a student as a project)
9. Use puzzle games (sudoku and story puzzle books.. this is my favourite Fun with Maths Puzzles, Games and More. )
10. Try different ways to approach the problem (encourage out of the box thinking)
As these 10 handy tips demonstrate, movement doesn’t just relate to exercise, it can be any activity that enables us to embody the learning in any form.
The correlation between movement and improved learning outcomes, especially in neurodivergent students, isn’t just a theory. I believe it’s a call for change. It’s time to move beyond the constraints of the traditional classroom or home-school curriculum and embark on a journey where every child, can engage in learning in a meaningful and enjoyable way.
If you would like support with bringing learning to life in your student, you can learn about our Maths with Movement classes here get in touch with us here. We are always happy to learn more about your child and share ideas and resources that may help you on your journey and assist with utilising your NDIS support for our programs.
🚀📚 #MathsSuccess #NeurodivergentLearning #EmpowerOurKids #ParentingJourney