Math learned best when children move #dyscalculia

Submitted by Judy Hanning on Fri, 2017-04-28 16:00

Does your child ever seem restless while working on math? Don’t fight to have them stand or sit still. Movement during math may actually be a good thing. University of Copenhagen’s Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports researchers believe that math is learned best when the instruction actually engages the body.

The 2014 Danish School Reform emphasized physical activity during the primary and lower secondary education years – as a part of academic instruction as well. Researchers from the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports have investigated the effect of different types of primary school mathematics instruction.
~ Medical Press

Movement during math seems to increase success.

Results from the study confirm the belief that many child students actually improve at math skills when their bodies are engaged in an activity during instruction, and that math instruction should be individualized. Researchers are now zeroing in on which parts of the brain are involved in these assorted learning strategies.

Key Takeaways:

1
When a child moves, they seem to learn and retain math concepts better.
2
Teachers should keep in mind all forms of teaching concepts.
3
Studies show that students use their entire body to learn.
Read the full article here:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-02-math-children.html