Movement Integration and Student Learning in the Classroom

Movement in a classroom setting can benefit students in many different ways. Movement, in this research, is defined as “an act of changing physical location or position or of having this changed” (Dictionary.com). Many studies have been conducted regarding movement integration (MI) and the benefits it has on students’ brain efficiency, student motivation, engagement, learning, and student enjoyment (Lindt & Miller, 2017; Mezolli et al., 2021). Movement is centered around the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) framework in which “young people… acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions” (CASEL, 2020, p. 1). Movement integration in the classroom allows students to get out of their seats during the long school days and participate in exciting and engaging games, learning activities, and much more. These breaks in the day significantly help students’ performance in the classroom and allow them to have fun during their long school days. This self-study research examines teachers’ classroom experiences where movement is a positive tool that helps students be ready to learn.