A Moving Child is a Learning Child

An internal blog post

Recently I heard about the book A Moving Child is a Learning Child by Gill Connell and Cheryl McCarthy.  The library now owns a copy.  I highly encourage you to take a look at it!

Something I found interesting was a short section about storytime.  Although some may consider storytime a passive activity it really is not because, as the book states, “even when young children seem still and quiet, their whole minds and whole bodies are actively engaged.”  Further, “storytime stimulates new ideas, reinforces positive values, and fosters communication skills.”

There are two parts of movement in storytime to consider:

1.  Our own movements—including facial expressions, gestures, and body language.  The authors encourage us to “Throw [our]selves into the story emotionally and physically”.
2. The movement of the children—books and songs with movements; stretches; and various movements (both large and small motor movements) during our play and learn times.

Take a few minutes think about the amount of movement you and the children are engaged in during storytime.  Remember that children learn best through movement.