Movement and Brain Functioning

What are Fundamental Movement Skills

  • Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are basic, foundational gross motor movement patterns, such as running, balancing, jumping, catching and throwing.
  • Children develop FMS at home, at school and outdoors.
  • Later, they refine those skills through play, sports, gymnastics, dance, aquatics and other activities they choose.
  • Movement is closely linked with brain functioning and development.
  • Movement prepares the brain for learning, protects neural cells and builds the learning brain.
Integrating movement into learning improves attention, cognitive function, academic achievement and behaviour in students.Integrating movement into learning improves attention, cognitive function, academic achievement and behaviour in students.
Dr Graham Dodd
What are Fundamental Movement Skills
Movement and the Brain Neural pathways:
  • Movement builds stronger connections between the brain areas that control coordination.
  • These overlap with the networks used for memory and problem-solving.
Fertiliser for the Brain BDNF:
  • Working large muscles releases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).
  • BDNF is a vital protein that supports brain health, cell growth and neuroplasticity.
Blood Boost to the Brain Blood flow:
  • Movement boosts blood flow, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
  • Active brain regions demand more energy, causing local blood vessels to widen in response to changes in carbon dioxide and pH levels.
K-2 Fundamental Movement Skills: eBookeBook 5.0 (18 reviews) K-2 Fundamental Movement Skills (eBook)
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eBookBe the first to reviewMove & Balance Educators Pack
Shapes, balances and dice games for the early years.
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Curriculum-aligned resources

Professional Development PDProfessional Development
  • Books and eBooks for educators.
  • The learning science behind play.
  • Read on any device.
See PD books Fundamental Movement MovementFundamental Movement
  • Foundation to Year 2 movement resources.
  • Locomotor, non-locomotor and balance.
  • By Dr Graham Dodd.
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  • Lesson plans, word lists and activity sheets.
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