Simple Movement Screening Tools for Your Classroom

As educators, we're often the first to notice when children are struggling with learning or attention. But what many don't realize is that simple movement observations can reveal crucial information about a child's readiness for academic success.

These quick screening activities in this screening tool can help you identify which students might need additional movement-based support in your classroom.

Why Movement Matters for Learning

Before diving into specific activities, it's important to understand that movement skills form the foundation for academic success. Just as we assess reading readiness before introducing complex texts, we should observe movement readiness before expecting sustained focus and learning engagement.

Three Essential Movement Observations

1. The Cross-Body Challenge

Activity: Have children stand and alternate touching right hand to left foot, then left hand to right foot (10 times)

What to Watch For:

• Smooth reaching across the body
• Stable balance
• Willing crossing of the midline

Learning Impact: This fundamental movement pattern directly correlates with reading and writing development. Children who struggle with this motion often face similar challenges tracking words across a page.

2. Dynamic Vision Check

Activity: From 3 meters away, show different numbers of fingers while the child gently shakes their head side to side

What to Watch For:

• Accurate number identification during movement
• Comfort level with head motion
• Visual stability

Learning Impact: This skill directly affects a child's ability to maintain focus while moving between desk work and board work - a crucial skill for classroom learning.

3. Core Control Challenge

Activity: Have children sit with legs extended, feet off the ground, volleying a balloon overhead for 30 seconds

What to Watch For:

• Sustained core engagement
• Upright posture maintenance
• Task endurance

Learning Impact: Strong core control correlates with improved attention span and learning engagement during seated activities.

From Observation to Action

While these observations provide valuable insights, knowing what to do with this information is equally important. Many teachers in our community have found that incorporating structured movement activities throughout the day helps address these foundational skills naturally.

This is precisely why we developed the Ready for Learning program, which builds these essential movement skills through quick, classroom-friendly activities that:

• Naturally strengthen midline crossing abilities
• Enhance visual tracking during movement
• Build core strength through engaging activities
• Take just 2-10 minutes to complete

Making Movement Meaningful

The key to supporting children's development isn't just identifying challenges - it's having practical, classroom-ready solutions. While these screening activities are helpful starting points, consistent, structured movement opportunities throughout the day create the greatest impact.

Consider how you might incorporate movement observations and interventions into your daily routine:

• Morning meeting movement moments
• Transition time movement breaks
• Quick movement resets between subjects

Supporting the Whole Child

Research consistently shows that early identification and intervention in movement skills has a lasting impact on academic success. When we address these foundational skills first, we create an environment where all children can thrive.

References:

1. Hyatt, K. J., et al. (2009). Education, 129(4), 755-768.
2. Braswell, J., & Rine, R. M. (2006). International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 70(11), 1957-1965.
3. Ozmen, T., et al. (2021). Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 21(4), 1935-1942.