The importance of physical movement for brain development in early childhood
Physical movement plays a vital role in how young children learn, grow and make sense of the world around them. From the earliest years, children are wired to move. Through movement, they explore, test ideas, build confidence and develop the foundations for learning.
At Lili’s Early Learning Centre in Hoppers Crossing, physical movement is embedded into everyday experiences. Active play, outdoor exploration and sensory rich environments support children’s physical development while also strengthening brain connections that support thinking, problem solving and emotional wellbeing.
Movement is not separate from learning. It is a key part of how learning happens.
How movement supports brain development
When children move, their brains are actively working. Actions like running, climbing, balancing and jumping require coordination, focus and decision making. These experiences strengthen neural pathways that support memory, attention and cognitive flexibility.
As children explore their environment through movement, they begin to understand cause and effect, develop spatial awareness and learn how their bodies interact with the world. These skills support early problem solving and reasoning, which are essential for later learning in school settings.
Regular physical movement also supports the development of executive function skills, including self regulation, planning and concentration. These skills play a significant role in school readiness and lifelong learning.
The role of barefoot play in early learning
Barefoot play offers unique sensory benefits that support both physical and brain development. When children walk, run or play without shoes, their feet receive direct feedback from different surfaces such as grass, sand, soil and soft outdoor textures.
This sensory input supports body awareness, balance and coordination. It also helps the brain process sensory information more effectively, strengthening neural connections that support movement control and spatial understanding.
Barefoot play can also help strengthen the small muscles in children’s feet, supporting posture and stability as they grow. At Lili’s, children are given opportunities to safely experience barefoot play in appropriate outdoor environments as part of their daily learning and exploration.
Physical movement and emotional wellbeing
Movement supports emotional health as much as it supports physical and cognitive development. Active play allows children to release energy, manage emotions and experience joy through movement.
When children have the freedom to move, they often show increased confidence and reduced stress. Movement based play supports emotional expression, resilience and positive mental wellbeing, creating a strong foundation for learning and social connection.
Physical activity also supports social development, as children learn to take turns, negotiate space, cooperate with others and build friendships through shared play experiences.
Creating environments that encourage active exploration
Children benefit most when movement is a natural and regular part of their day. Purposefully designed indoor and outdoor environments encourage children to explore, challenge themselves and engage their bodies in meaningful ways.
At Lili’s Early Learning Centre, learning environments are designed to invite movement through open ended play, climbing opportunities, sensory exploration and outdoor play experiences. Educators support children to move confidently and safely, allowing them to follow their interests and develop at their own pace.
These experiences align with the Early Years Learning Framework and support holistic development across physical, social, emotional and cognitive domains.
Supporting lifelong learning through movement
Encouraging physical movement in the early years builds strong foundations for lifelong health and learning. Children who are confident movers often show increased engagement, curiosity and resilience as learners.
By supporting movement, exploration and sensory experiences, early learning environments help children develop the skills they need to thrive both in school and beyond.
At Lili’s, physical movement is valued as an essential part of early learning, supporting children to grow as capable, confident and curious learners.
Discover learning through movement at Lili’s
If you would like to see how physical movement, outdoor play and sensory learning are part of everyday experiences at Lili’s Early Learning Centre, we invite you to book a tour and explore our learning environments in person.
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Physical movement strengthens brain connections by supporting coordination, problem solving, attention and memory. Active play helps children understand their bodies, their environment and how to navigate challenges through movement.
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Outdoor play encourages children to move freely, explore their surroundings and engage their senses. These experiences support physical development, emotional wellbeing and cognitive growth in a natural and meaningful way.
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Sensory and barefoot play provide direct feedback from the environment, supporting balance, coordination and body awareness. These experiences also help the brain process sensory information more effectively.
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Lili’s embeds movement into everyday learning through thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor environments. Children are encouraged to explore, move and engage in active play as part of a balanced early learning program.