Effects of videos with whole-body movements on young children’s geography learning

This video-based study explores the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of an online movement-based intervention in young children. The intervention integrated sensorimotor experiences with digital instruction to facilitate knowledge acquisition. Seventy-five children (M_age = 5.61; SD = 1.03) were randomly assigned to either an embodied cognition group, where they watched videos and performed simple full-body movements mimicking animals from different continents, or a control group, where they watched the same videos while remaining seated. Pre- and post-test assessments measured geographical knowledge retention. Children rated their enjoyment of the instructional preference. Results from MANCOVA indicated no significant group differences in knowledge recall. An ANOVA showed that both groups reported high levels of enjoyment related to instructional engagement. The study contributes to the growing body of research on movement-based digital learning, emphasizing the importance of balancing cognitive and motor demands in online educational environments.