Wiggle, Giggle, Grow: Fun Brain-Boosting Moves for Kids
Movement for Thought
Kids move. A lot. Their bodies are constantly wiggling, squirming, and shifting positions. How many times have you heard an adult exclaim, “If only I had their energy!” Movement isn’t just natural for kids; it’s essential for their development. Experts recommend children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. For some children, specific types of movement not only help burn off excess energy but also strengthen connections in the brain. These exercises can give your child a “leg up” physically, mentally, and emotionally.
How Movement Helps the Brain
“Targeted movement can strengthen brain connections, just like exercise strengthens muscles!”
Children with learning challenges often have difficulty connecting the back and front parts of their brain. This can lead to frustration for both kids and teachers as they struggle to process and communicate information. The good news? The brain’s connections can be strengthened through targeted movement, much like exercising a muscle. Fun and simple therapeutic exercises can help improve focus, balance, and coordination while giving kids an enjoyable way to play.
Four Brain-Boosting Exercises
1. Scissor Kicks: Have your child jump in the air and perform a scissor kick, crossing their right leg in front on one jump and switching to the back on the next. Bonus: Use a trampoline for added fun!
How it helps: Improves coordination between the left and right sides of the body, enhances balance, and stimulates the vestibular system for better spatial awareness.
2. Ball Pass: Line up a group of children and have them pass a ball over their heads to the next person. Once the ball reaches the end, reverse the process, passing it back overhead to the start. Challenge them to complete the task without dropping the ball.
How it helps: Promotes hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, teamwork, and social interaction—all key for cognitive and emotional growth.
3. Bean Bag Cross: Give your child weighted bean bags to hold. As they cross the room, have them move their left leg forward while swinging their right arm, and vice versa. Once they reach the other side, they can return by walking backward.
How it helps: Strengthens the connection between the brain’s hemispheres, enhances balance, and improves motor skills and body awareness.
4. Wall Jumps: Ask your child to place their hands on a wall and get into a lunge position. Slowly jump, kicking each leg out one at a time. Use floor markers to guide their landings for precision.
How it helps: Builds core strength, balance, and motor planning skills, aiding both physical and cognitive development.
Make It a Routine
Incorporate these exercises into your child’s daily schedule. Try scissor kicks or wall jumps before breakfast, or the bean bag cross after dinner. For motivation, create a 7-day challenge: if they practice daily, reward them with a new book or a playdate. These small, consistent efforts will strengthen their brains and bodies while teaching discipline and focus.
With just a few minutes a day, you can help your child’s brain and body grow stronger—all while keeping it fun!
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