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.
Afterword by:
Ronald S. Fischler
Foreword by:
Cindy Hovington
Edited by:
Mike Kuczala,
Lynne Kenney
Imprint: Teachers' College Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 254mm,
Width: 178mm,
ISBN: 9780807783672
ISBN 10: 0807783676
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 27 February 2026
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Further / Higher Education
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
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
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.
