Playful strategies based on movement to integrate body, play and learning in early childhood: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/cc1vhq44Keywords:
Movement-based learning, play, early childhood education, child development, physical activity; embodied cognition.Abstract
This systematic review aimed to analyze scientific evidence related to movement-based play strategies to integrate body, play, and learning in early childhood education and the first years of schooling. The study was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines through the review of scientific articles published between 2014 and 2024 in databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The selected studies addressed topics related to movement-based learning, physical activity, active play, and embodied cognition in early childhood education.
The findings revealed that movement-based strategies generate positive effects on different dimensions of child development. The main benefits identified included improvements in motor skills, attention, memory, self-regulation, social interaction, motivation, and academic performance. Furthermore, the reviewed studies demonstrated that play and movement promote meaningful learning processes through active and participatory experiences.
The review also identified methodological limitations in some studies, particularly related to small sample sizes and limited longitudinal evidence. Nevertheless, the scientific evidence analyzed confirms the importance of incorporating active methodologies that integrate body, play, and learning into early childhood educational contexts.
Finally, it is concluded that movement-based play strategies constitute an effective pedagogical alternative to strengthen comprehensive child development and promote more dynamic, inclusive, and meaningful educational experiences.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ximena Carlina Lituma Serrano , Silvia Beatriz Cárdenas Salamea , Fany Elizabet Encalada Espinoza , Domenica Anabel Riera Durán , Herminio Mateo Durán Quituisaca (Autor/a)
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