By Stephanie Lord-Dabry and Emma Ellsmore 

Did you know that the connection between our mind and body is not just beneficial for adults but is also crucial for children? Just like yoga or a brisk walk can lighten our cognitive load, movement plays a significant role in enhancing a child’s learning abilities.

Research by the INCH (Infant and Child Health Lab) study, led by Bedard et al. (2017), reveals a fascinating link between movement skills and pre-literacy skills – both essential components of School Readiness. The study found that integrating targeted motor-based activities can substantially improve literacy skills, even with minimal intervention. In fact, the researchers emphasise that early intervention using movement and pre-literacy skills together might help address the rising concerns surrounding poor school readiness.

At GymbaROO-KindyROO, we passionately believe in the cognitive benefits of movement. We strive to foster a community of learning where children can thrive together, continuously seeking insights from fellow researchers to ensure our children receive the best possible start.

Melbourne-based School Readiness Specialist Emma Ellsmore from Leap Street has valuable insights on the skills needed for school readiness: 

“At Leap Street, we know that strong pre-literacy skills lay the foundation for a confident and enthusiastic start to school. Before children begin formal reading and writing, they benefit from playful opportunities to tune into sounds, notice letters and connect spoken language with print. Building phonological awareness through simple activities, such as singing rhymes, clapping syllables, or playing “I spy” with sounds and fun movements, helps children recognise and experiment with the sounds in words, and is an important first step toward reading. Recognising letters and linking them to their sounds further strengthens early phonics knowledge. At Leap Street, we support parents with practical tools like these to weave learning naturally into play, helping children grow in confidence and build the essential foundation they need to thrive at school.”

Ellsmore also emphasises that families can nurture these skills at home through everyday moments—whether it’s reading together or turning sounds into exciting games. These interactions are designed to seamlessly integrate learning into play, enabling children to grow in confidence and develop essential skills for academic success.

So, why is incorporating movement, rhyme, and games so vital for preparing our children for school? Research indicates that the development of both gross and fine motor skills is essential for cognitive and emotional growth during childhood (Battaglia et al., 2019). This multifaceted approach to learning is what truly prepares children for school.

Ultimately, being ready for school encompasses a broad range of skills. Our children require opportunities to move, problem-solve, experience language, and develop understanding in various ways. Let’s work together to ensure our children are not just school-ready but also equipped with the ability to thrive and succeed!

Cheers to a future where our little ones are not only ready for school but excited for the journey ahead!

Stephanie Lord-Darby (MRes, B.Ed.) is an experienced researcher, teacher and the Program Specialist at GymabROO-KindyROO. 

Emma Ellsmore (GradDipEd, GradDipCD, B.Comms) is a passionate and experienced teacher, and the co-founder of Leap Street.

 

References: 

Battaglia, G., Alesi, M., Tabacchi, G., Palma, A., & Bellafiore, M. (2019). The Development of Motor and Pre-Literacy Skills by a Physical Education Program in Preschool Children: A Non-randomized Pilot Trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02694

Bedard, C., Bremer, E., Campbell, W., & Cairney, J. (2017). A Quasi-Experimental Study of a Movement and Preliteracy Program for 3-and 4-Year-Old Children. Frontiers in Paediatrics, 5. https://doi.org.10.3389/fped.2017.00094 

Leap Street https://www.leapstreet.au