Homeschool Hack: The Power of Movement for Enhanced Learning
Boost Learning with Exercise: The Science-Backed Way to Improve Focus in Your Homeschool
What if I told you there was an easy, science-backed way to improve your child’s concentration, memory retention, and overall academic performance? The answer might surprise you: exercise! We often associate physical activity with health and fitness, but research shows it has a direct link to improved brain function. Just twenty minutes of exercise before tackling a difficult task can increase focus, enhance memory, and even boost problem-solving skills. And the best part? As homeschoolers, we are blessed to have the freedom to incorporate this into our daily routine for remarkable results.
When Exercise Doesn’t Work: What I Got Wrong
If your child struggles to focus, gets tired easily, or has a lot of energy during lessons, you’re not alone. Like many homeschooling parents, I wanted to find a way to give my kids an edge in learning, something that would help them absorb information more effectively. Exercise seemed like an obvious solution, but despite my best efforts, my approach wasn’t hitting the mark.
Initially, I followed the advice of splitting the day: focus on academic work in the morning, then use exercise as a reward or a way to move after long periods of sitting. In theory, it made sense, but it wasn’t working. When I tried taking more frequent breaks for movement, those short pauses often turned into long distractions, extending our academic day and leaving us exhausted.
I soon realized that the key isn’t just any exercise at any time—it’s about finding the right kind of movement and timing it right before engaging in demanding tasks.
The Science: Exercise Powers the Brain
Science supports the connection between physical activity and cognitive function. Exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients essential for optimal brain performance. But that’s not all!
Physical activity also stimulates the production of hormones like endorphins—nature’s mood boosters—and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which helps maintain and grow brain cells. These changes make it easier for children to learn new information, retain knowledge, and solve problems.
What’s especially interesting is that exercise activates the hippocampus (responsible for memory) and enhances the prefrontal cortex (the region controlling decision-making, attention, and problem-solving). These are all critical functions for academic success!
Why 20 Minutes Works
You might be wondering why twenty minutes is the magic number. Research shows that twenty minutes of exercise is just enough to stimulate brain function without overloading the body (no sweaty learners here!). A study from the University of Illinois found that students who exercised for twenty minutes before a test performed better than those who didn’t exercise. The University of California also reports that regular physical activity improves memory retention. The key here is that exercise should happen immediately before demanding learning—whether that’s a test, big assignment, or in our case, reading for an extended period of time.
How to Add Exercise to Your Homeschool Routine
The flexibility of homeschooling means you can design your day to fit your child’s learning style – and this includes integrating exercise at the right time. For us, I discovered the power of exercise when I asked my husband to take the kids to play tennis first thing in the morning before his workday started. The change was incredible. A book that my son struggled to read without frustration he could now sit down and read cover to cover!
If tennis isn’t your thing, here are some ideas to get started:
- Morning Movement Session Kickstart your day with a 20-minute exercise session. Go for a walk, or a quick trip to the park. If the weather isn’t great, try an indoor activity like dancing, jumping rope, or hula hooping, all of which require little to no equipment or space.
- Pre-Test Workout For older kids, a brief 20-minute exercise session before a test or challenging task is a great way to boost alertness, reduce anxiety, and prepare the brain to absorb and recall information.
- Brain Breaks During Study Time For longer assignments, take a 20-minute exercise break halfway through. Whether it’s stretching, jumping on a mini trampoline (my personal favorite), or a quick walk around the yard, moving helps reset focus and energy, making it easier to tackle the next task.
- Outdoor Learning Activities Take your lessons outside for active learning—like walking while listening to an educational podcast or book on tape. This way, your child gets an exercise boost while staying engaged in their studies.
- Movement for Memorization Make memorization more fun and engaging by incorporating movement. For example, my son uses jumping jacks or clapping when he’s memorizing times tables. While this may not be the typical pre-test exercise, movement like this can reinforce learning and make it stick.
Tailoring Exercise to Your Child’s Interests
One of the biggest perks of homeschooling is the ability to cater activities to your child’s interests. Find exercises your child enjoys, and they’ll be more likely to look forward to it. If they love dancing, try an online dance workout. If they’re into sports, soccer drills will do the trick. Remember, the goal is not fitness (or a sweaty student!) but creating an energizing environment for your child’s brain to perform at its best.
Your Kids Will Love It, and You Will Too!
Exercise isn’t just for physical health; it’s a powerful tool for boosting brain function. By incorporating twenty minutes of physical activity before tackling challenging assignments, homeschooling parents can help their kids improve focus, concentration, memory, and overall academic performance. In the process, you’ll not only support your children’s learning but also encourage them to stay healthy and energized. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Want to hear more about my personal experience with exercise and homeschooling? Tune in to the Homeschooling Saints Podcast, where I’ll be sharing insights, practical tips, and real-life examples of how movement has transformed our homeschool. Don’t miss this conversation on how just 20 minutes of exercise can make a world of difference in your child’s focus, memory, and overall learning experience!
