How to Move & Learn: An evidence-based guide to embedding physically active learning in your school

Written by Bryn Llewellyn, Ian Holmes and Richard Allman, How to Move & Learn: An evidence-based guide to embedding physically active learning in your school is a practical guidebook that provides primary school teachers and leaders with the know-how and confidence to embed more movement-based approaches in their teaching and learning.

We already know that increased physical activity and a reduction in the time spent sitting at desks have wide-ranging benefits (including to brain function), so what if there were also evidence that using movement in the learning process improves outcomes for children? What if we could then map out ways to support teachers in adapting their practice to make this a reality?

In this book, Bryn, Ian and Richard do just that – sharing the latest research from around the world and providing teachers with the means and motivation to identify opportunities to integrate movement purposefully into the teaching and learning process.

The links between health and education are paramount, and this book explores these connections, presenting a wealth of ideas, activities and resources to help teachers unlock both the potential of the school and outdoor environments for learning across all curriculum subjects.

How to Move & Learn identifies potential barriers to implementing physically active learning and, more importantly, provides practical solutions to help overcome them. It shows teachers how to harness the long-lasting benefits of movement as part of learning for pupils’ physical and emotional well-being, as well as their educational outcomes. Practitioners are connected to the latest research so that they can develop their teaching practice in line with the most successful evidence-based approaches and they are offered insights into what is a growing movement to energise and activate both teachers and learners.

Suitable for all primary school teachers and leaders.

Contents include:

• Chapter 1: An Introduction to Move & Learn
• Chapter 2: Culture and Ethos
• Chapter 3: Move & Learn Approaches
• Chapter 4: Move & Learn Approaches Across the Pedagogical Spectrum
• Chapter 5: Move & Learn Environments and Resources
• Chapter 6: A Whole-School Approach to Move & Learn

Bryn Llewellyn is the founder of Tagtiv8, having previously worked in various UK schools for 25 years as a teacher, deputy head and acting head teacher. His pioneering approach to physically active learning (Move & Learn) not only provides an enjoyable alternative to classroom-based learning, but also promotes physical activity – crucial when challenging the increasing problem of sedentary lifestyles. Bryn acts as an advisor to the BBC and the Premier League on their education content.

Ian Holmes is a former head teacher who ensured physical activity and the related benefits sat at the heart of the school’s culture and ethos. He is passionate about supporting schools to embrace a whole systems approach to physical activity and well-being in order to improve physical activity habits, attitudes and behaviours. He is currently working for the University of Bradford, ensuring research and practice are brought together in the implementation of the Creating Active Schools programmes at local, regional and national levels.

Richard Allman is a former specialist leader of education (SLE) and senior leadership team member. As a PE specialist he delivered CPD to school leaders, teaching staff and initial teacher training (ITT) students. Richard is passionate about empowering primary school practitioners to integrate purposeful physical activity into classroom pedagogy.