Moving to Learn: The Role of Physical Activity in Supporting Student Development
Abstract
This project examines the importance of integrating purposeful movement into preschool and elementary classroom instruction to enhance children’s cognitive development, academic learning, and physical health. As early childhood and elementary education have become increasingly structured and academically demanding, opportunities for natural movement have declined, despite convincing evidence demonstrating the developmental necessity of physical activity. This paper synthesizes current research showing that meaningful movement – where embedded in academic lessons, implemented through short activity breaks, or delivered through structured routines – supports improvements in attention, executive function, on-task behavior, engagement, and overall academic performance. Movement-based instructional strategies also contribute to students’ physical well-being, motor skill development, and social-emotional regulation. In addition, this project explores practical implementation strategies, teacher training needs, and barriers that may prevent the adoption of classroom movement practices. The findings reinforce that purposeful movement is not a distraction from learning, but an essential component of effective instruction. The paper concludes with recommendations for teachers and school administration aimed at embedding movement into daily classroom practices to create learning environments that promote cognitive growth, academic success, and holistic child development. (Pierce, 2025)
Keywords: purposeful movement, classroom physical activity, cognitive development, academic performance, on-task behavior, early childhood education
Year Manuscript Completed
Spring 2026
Senior Project Advisor
Heather Roy
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree
Field of Study
Educational Studies
Document Type
Thesis - Murray State Access only
Recommended Citation
Pierce, Martha, "Moving to Learn: The Role of Physical Activity in Supporting Student Development" (2026). Integrated Studies. 676.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/bis437/676