Increasing Caregiver Involvement in Strengthening Learning Through Movement

The project and paper address the research question of, what resources can educators provide to caregivers to help strengthen learning through movement in the home environment? Research has shown that students perform better academically when they are supported by both their educators and their caregivers, when they have ample opportunities to intentionally move their bodies both at home and at school, and when their educators and caregivers are working together as a team to support them as a person and as a learner. Ten resources have been put together to make up the contents of a movement backpack, which can be easily transported between the home and school environments. Although they can be created for any grade level and subject matter, the resources mentioned are tailored for primary grade students. These resources include visuals, price points, and write-ups to help caregivers know how to use the resources as well as to learn about what skills are being strengthened in their children through the use of these materials. The goal of these backpacks is to get students moving their bodies in intentional manners to help strengthen learning, help reduce the burden on caregivers of “learning at home” responsibilities, and foster strong connections between educators and caregivers. Benefits, limitations, and future projects are discussed.