Why is movement important for children's wellbeing? The psychology behind Moodboosters

Moodboosters

By Dr George Kitsaras

(Lecturer in behavioural science, University of Manchester)

Movement is a crucial aspect of a child's overall wellbeing and development, of particular benefit to mental health because it can support their emotional state, cognitive function, social development, and sense of resilience.

Incorporating more movement into a child's typical day can also enhance cognitive function and focus in children, which are extremely important for their overall development, as well as academic performance. All forms of physical activity improve brain function, helping kids learn, concentrate, and process emotions better. A study from 2019 found that simple aerobic movements such as morning stretching or jumping jacks can result in a child having better focus, and enhanced memory in class.

Research has also shown that exercise improves sleep quality for children, helping them to fall asleep faster. Better sleep can lead to better mood regulation, lower stress, and improved behavioural control.

Connect

• What is it?
  Fun activities for children centring on relationships and how to recognise emotions in others through empathy.
• Why is important?
  Empathy helps children understand and respond to others’ feelings, which can in turn help them make friends, and form stronger bonds with others. Empathy improves emotional regulation, promotes inclusivity and reduces prejudice, whilst strong social relationships are the backbone for healthy socioemotional interactions, and mental wellbeing for life.

Boost

• What is it?
  Energetic activities encouraging children to use movement and positive thinking to build self-esteem.
• Why is it important?
  Self-esteem is crucial for how children see themselves, how they handle challenges, and how they relate to others. When kids have healthy self-esteem, they are more confident, resilient, and emotionally secure.

Imagine

• What is it?
  Learning resources promoting creativity and optimism in children, encouraging them to envision their goals.
• Why is it important?
  Creativity is essential for children's development, in how they think, learn, solve problems, and express themselves. Creative children learn to approach problems in flexible ways, which helps them become better thinkers and resilient learners. Creativity also gives children a safe outlet to express their thoughts and emotions, through imagination.

Recharge

• What is it?
  Classroom activities to help children become aware of the importance of self-care, whilst building resilience.
• Why is it important?
  Self-care in children is hugely important in helping them grow into resilient, confident, and independent individuals. Teaching self-care early helps children to learn how to regulate their emotions, manage stress, and take responsibility for their own needs.

When to use Moodboosters?

Moodboosters' flexible and agile format can be hugely beneficial during short, transitions between classes. Teachers can utilise these evidence-based, agile and interactive resources to allow children to engage in movement during their school day.Quick bursts of movement fitted around busy class timetables can still have a positive effect for children despite their duration.

This school timetable offers suggestions for ways to incorporate Moodboosters into a typical school day.

For all children, and specifically for children who might struggling and/or require additional support in school and at home, movement can have a beneficial effect especially around social skills, confidence building, emotional regulation and resilience. Moodboosters, especially when used in communal classroom settings, can help children build strong social bonds and boost self-esteem. A study in 2016 found that kids who take part in physical group activities have better self-esteem and social competence. Apart from social skills and confidence, movement and general activity support emotional regulation and resilience. The ability to regulate emotions and to remain calm are both crucial for managing key life events, day-to-day challenges and help children navigate their socioemotional development journey - throughout school and beyond.