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Move More, Learn More!

Move More, Learn More!

Name: Move More, Learn More!
Author: Mike Kuczala
ISBN: 9780807784051

Harnessing the Brain–Body Connection in Early Childhood

Edited by Mike Kuczala and Lynne Kenney

Foreword by Cindy Hovington

Afterword by Ronald S. Fischler

Published by: Teachers College Press

Imprint: Teachers College Press

240 Pages, 178.00 × 254.00 mm

Paperback
9780807784051
Published: February 2026

£35.00

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Hardcover
9780807783672
Published: February 2026

£106.00

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Description
Contents
Authors

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.

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