Move More, Learn More!

This book shares how movement is deeply connected to early learning, offering 50+ activities that focus on young children’s growth and development.

Young children don't just move to develop their bodies—they move to develop their brains. Move More, Learn More! demonstrates the profound connection between physical activity and early childhood development through cutting-edge research from neuroscience, developmental psychology, and exercise science. This groundbreaking book teaches how movement fundamentally shapes brain architecture during the early years, building the neurological foundations essential for cognitive growth, academic success, and social-relational well-being.

Move More, Learn More! bridges the gap between research and practice, offering evidence-based insights in every chapter. By understanding how developmental skills emerge from shared neurological pathways, Pre-K –3rd grade educators can transform their approach to early learning. Educators and clinicians will discover immediately applicable strategies to help children develop healthy brains and bodies during these formative years.

This first-of-its-kind resource will empower readers to harness the transformative power of movement, showing not just what happens when children are physically active, but why it matters so deeply for their development and how to maximize these benefits in educational settings.

Book Features:

• Chapters written by international experts in the fields of movement, music, language, and cognition provide activities to strengthen executive function, self-regulation, attention, and sensory-motor development in Pre-K–3rd grade.
• Over 50 evidence-based activities that specifically target both learning strengths and differences.
• An ideal book for graduate-level courses in education, physical education, and early care, as well as developmental psychology, speech pathology, and occupational therapy.

Mike Kuczala is a keynote speaker, professional development facilitator, president of Kuczala Consulting, and chief executive officer for Regional Training Center. Lynne Kenney is an international educator, researcher, and a pediatric psychologist on the language and cognition team at Wellington-Alexander Center for the Treatment of Dyslexia, Scottsdale, Arizona.

“The combined wisdom in this book beautifully affirms what I’ve witnessed and championed for over 40 years: The brain and body are not separate entities, and children need movement to learn, to grow, and to thrive. If this book doesn't convince educators that movement is a must, I'm not sure what will.”
—Rae Pica, early childhood education consultant and author of Why Play? How to Make Play an Essential Part of Early Education

“Move More, Learn More! is an essential resource that powerfully reveals the foundational impact of movement on brain development, learning, and well-being in early childhood. Internationally known movement experts provide the scientific evidence, brain-based theory, and practical activities to intentionally integrate movement that significantly improves children's cognitive, social, and academic success. This book is a must-have for educators, clinicians, and parents.”
—Jean Moize, internationally known educational consultant and founder of Action Based Learning

“Move More, Learn More! is a powerful and practical resource that bridges neuroscience and real-world application. The authors clearly show that movement, rhythm, and play are essential for learning, regulation, and growth—important for all young children, especially those with developmental delays and disorders. A must-read for educators, clinicians, and parents dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential.”
—Mary Barbera, autism mom, behavior analyst, and bestselling author of Turn Autism Around: An Action Guide for Parents of Young Children with Early Signs of Autism

Contents

Foreword: Why Movement Matters: What Every Teacher, Clinician, and Parent Should Know About Children’s Brains Cindy Hovington  v

Acknowledgments  vii

Introduction  1

Mike Kuczala

Part I: What to Know

1.  Light a Fire! The Scientific Basis for Integrating Movement Into School and Clinical Settings  7

Lynne Kenney, United States

2.  Physical Activity, Neuroplasticity, and Brain Growth: The Key Connections  20

Ty Melillo, United States

3.  Enhancing Sensory-Motor, Cognitive, and Social Skills in Young Children Through Physical Activity  32

Joann McFee, Kelly Barnhart, and Lynne Kenney, United States

4.  Using Music Interventions to Strengthen Cognition, Co-regulation, and Self-Regulation: The Pre-K SEND Program  51

Angelo Molino with Lynne Kenney, United States

Part II: What to Do (Academic Development)

5.  Implementing Cognitive-Physical Activities to Strengthen Executive Function Skills for Better Learning and Behavior  67

Lynne Kenney with Mike Kuczala, United States

6.  Using Movement and Music to Enhance Language and Reading Skills in Young Children  92

Stacy Fretheim, United States

7.  Handwriting and Movement: Addressing Delays and Difficulties  109

Mary Mountstephen, UK

8.  Activity Gym and Cross-Body Activities for Children  126

Piero Crispiani and Eleonora Palmieri, Italy

9.  The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning Through Movement  141

Mike Kuczala, United States

Part III: What to Do (Self-Regulation and Social-Relational Development)

10.  Rhythm and Movement for Early Childhood Self-Regulation Development  153

Kate Williams, Australia

11.  “MovementWorks” for Neurotypical and Neurodivergent Learners  167

Ali Golding, UK

12.  Promoting Social Connections Through Group Activities  186

Andy Milne, United States

13.  Creating Meaningful Movement Experiences Before, During, and After School  198

Andy Vasily, Belgium

Conclusion: Putting It All Together So Kids Will Move More to Learn More  211

Mike Kuczala, United States

Afterword: The Pediatric Perspective of the Family Experience and Why Returning to Our Roots in Pediatrics Matters for Children Ronald S. Fischler  215

Index  217

About the Editors and Contributors  226