Many parents have probably noticed that their children are restless in regular classes, get bored easily, and have short attention spans. However, during physical education class, activity class, or any time they get to stand up and move around, they become more enthusiastic, energetic, and focused than expected.
This is no coincidence, but a natural characteristic of children, especially between the ages of 4 and 12.
Because movement is part of the learning process, not an obstacle.
Research in child education and development has found that: Children remember content better, at least 40%, when learned through movement. Because the brain, body, and language work together simultaneously, language is not just stored in short-term memory but is linked to real-life experiences.
For learning English, this is a huge advantage when children get to “do” things while simultaneously “listening” and “speaking.”
Vocabulary, sentences, and meanings will be understood without memorization.
This article compiles... 25 Active Learning Activities Designed to... Children learning English Through natural movements, categorized by age group, along with practical advice that parents can use at home.
All activities are based on the approaches that inlingua actually uses in the classroom, as part of the concept. Exploration-based Learning: Learning through hands-on activities. That helps children have fun, dare to speak, and use English confidently.
Why does movement help children learn languages better?
A child's brain isn't designed to sit still for long periods of time.
If your child constantly gets up, walks, runs, and moves around, it doesn't mean they lack concentration, but rather that... A child's brain learns through natural movement.
During the ages of 4-12, a child's brain and body work together as a team. Movement stimulates blood flow to the brain, keeping children alert, improving their ability to receive new information, and helping them remember it for longer.
That's why many children can memorize songs with actions and games by heart, but forget the vocabulary they memorize at their school desks.
Language learning = Brain + Body + Experience
When children learn English through movement, vocabulary is not just stored in their minds, but becomes associated with "actions."“
- Jump with the word jump
- Crawling along with the word crawl
- Throw the ball while saying... throw
The brain will create muscle memory Along with language memory
This allows children to avoid having to memorize, but rather to "recall" it automatically when they need to use it in real life.
Research in child education has found that kinesthetic learning, or... Learning through the body It helps increase the content retention rate by up to 65% Compared to simply sitting and listening or memorizing.
Active learning is more suitable for children today than you might think.
Children today grow up in a fast-paced world with lots of images and constant engagement. Having them sit and listen passively for long periods of time doesn't align with how their brains are accustomed to learning.
Active Learning Therefore, it's not just "more fun," but it's a method that aligns with the nature of children today.
Movement helps children.
- Can concentrate for longer periods.
- I don't feel like I'm being forced to study.
- Dare to try and learn from mistakes.
- And be more confident in using English.
Instead of asking, "Is your child sitting still?", a more important question is... How involved is the child in their learning?
Children of different ages benefit from movement in different ways.
Children 4-6 years old
Movement is the first language of learning. Children understand simple commands immediately when they follow body language, without needing translation into Thai.
Children aged 7-12 years
Movement helps maintain concentration and makes long lessons less boring. Children can learn more complex vocabulary and sentences when games or activities are used to aid them.
This is why: Learning through movement It's not just suitable for young children, but for children of all ages to learn English.
Activities for children aged 4–6 years (10 Activities)
The age of 4-6 years is a period when children learn more through their bodies than through sitting and listening. Activities during this age should... Short, fun, lots of movement, and no pressure. The goal isn't to be right about everything, but to "dare to use the language."“
Group 1: Action Verbs & Body Parts
1. Simon Says A classic; it works every time you play.
- Learn vocabulary: jump, run, clap, spin, touch
- How to play: Parents or teachers say, "Simon says touch your nose."“
- What did you get? Practice listening to commands + learn about different parts of the body.
This is ideal for children who are not yet confident speaking, because they can "follow instructions" first.
2. Freeze Dance Release the energy, then pause with a focused mind.
- Learn vocabulary: stop, freeze, dance, move
- How to play: Turn on the music, dance your heart out, but when the music stops, stand still.
- What did you get? Self-control + memorizing vocabulary from rhythm.
Children will remember the word freeze That's spot on, no explanation needed.
3. Animal Movements: Transform into animals. Fun without needing to give instructions.
- Learn the sentences: hop like a rabbit, fly like a bird, swim like a fish
- How to play: Call out the nameanimalThen, imitate the gestures.
- What did you get? Animal vocabulary + verbs of movement
This activity helps children speak in phrases, not just single words, and also connects with...Learning vocabulary related to nature and animals in a real-world environment.Very well
4. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes: One song, and you'll learn vocabulary for the entire body.
- learn: body parts
- How to play: Singing while pointing to different parts of the body.
- What did you get? Connect vocabulary directly with body parts.
It's perfect for children who are just starting to learn English.
5. Action Song: “If You're Happy and You Know It” – Language and emotion go hand in hand.
- Learn vocabulary: clap, stomp, shout, happy
- How to play: Sing along and do the actions.
- What did you get? Emotional vocabulary + expressions
Children begin to connect language with feelings, not just memories.
Group 2: Prepositions & Spatial Awareness
6. Treasure Hunt: Hidden objects = Opportunity to learn a language.
- Learn vocabulary: under, behind, in front of, next to
- How to play: Hide something and tell us its location in English.
- What did you get? Understand the position without needing translation.
You can use things you already have at home; no special equipment is needed.
7. Obstacle Course: The entire house is a language learning ground.
- Learn vocabulary: through, over, under, around
- How to play: Use pillows, chairs, or cushions to create a path.
- What did you get? Prepositions that children truly understand, not just memorize from pictures.
The child will understand the word. under From crawling, not from explanation.
8. Ball Games: One ball, many words.
- Learn vocabulary: throw, catch, roll, kick, bounce
- How to play: Play soccer according to instructions in English.
- What did you get? Basic verbs + listening to commands
Suitable for energetic children and helps them release that energy effectively.
9. Follow the Leader, but learn the language.
- Learn the sentences: walk slowly, run fast, jump high
- How to play: Follow the leader's gestures.
- What did you get? adverbs + attentive listening
Children begin to understand descriptive terms unconsciously.
10. Hokey Pokey: One song, all the moves – left, right, in, out.
- Learn vocabulary: left, right, in, out, turn around
- How to play: Sing along while moving your body.
- What did you get? directions + body coordination
It's a fun activity that also helps improve concentration.
All these activities don't need to be done perfectly, 100% accurate, or every word needs to be spoken clearly. Just enough for the child. Dare to move, dare to act, and dare to use language. English will gradually seep in, just like learning your mother tongue in early childhood.
Activities for children aged 7-12 years (15 Activities)
Children aged 7-12 years old begin to have longer attention spans, enjoy challenges, and want to play a role in a group. Therefore, activities during this age range should be... There are games, missions, and movement-based thinking. The goal is for children to use English to... Communicate, solve problems, and collaborate with others.
Group 3: Team-Based Activities
11. Charades (Acting Out) Demonstrating a gesture for a friend to guess = Using language unconsciously.
- learn: verbs, animals, occupations
- How to play: One child makes a gesture, another guesses in English.
- What did you get? Put your vocabulary into real-life situations + develop confidence in expressing yourself.
Suitable for children who understand the language but are not yet confident in speaking.
12. Relay Races with Commands Run as a team, but you must listen to understand.
- Learn the sentences: “Run to the wall, touch it, and come back.”
- How to play: Team competition; follow instructions step by step.
- What did you get? listening comprehension + teamwork
Children will begin to understand long commands without needing word-by-word translation.
13. Red Light, Green Light: A simple game, but it trains self-control and language skills.
- Learn vocabulary: stop, go, slow down, speed up
- How to play: Move according to the signal.
- What did you get? Vocabulary related to movement and self-control.
They used their energy efficiently without causing too much trouble.
14. Musical Chairs with Questions: Stop the music = You get to speak.
- learn: Questions and answers based on a theme.
- How to play: The music stops. Whoever doesn't have a chair has to answer a question.
- What did you get? Thinking quickly + speaking under pressure
It helps children get used to speaking without much preparation.
15. Simon Says (Advanced) upgrades the original game to make it more challenging.
- Learn the commands: “Touch your left knee with your right hand”
- How to play: Follow complex instructions.
- What did you get? left/right + complex instructions
Suitable for children who are beginning to understand longer sentences.
Group 4: Creative Movement
16. Dance Freeze with Vocabulary: Stop dancing = Use vocabulary words.
- learn: Vocabulary by category (colors, animals) food etc.)
- How to play: Stop dancing and say the word given.
- What did you get? Vocabulary: recall + speed
Help you use the vocabulary naturally.
17. Action Story Time: Stories that aren't just for listening to.
- learn: Verbs from the story
- How to play: The teacher or parent tells a story, and the children imitate the actions.
- What did you get? comprehension + imagination
Suitable for children who enjoy listening to stories and visualizing the scenes.
18. Yoga with English Instructions: Slow, peaceful, and enriching.
- Learn vocabulary: stretch, breathe, balance, pose
- How to play: Perform the yoga poses as instructed in English.
- What did you get? body awareness + imperatives
Great for energetic children who need activities to calm down.
19. Sports Day Vocabulary: Sports = teamwork language
- learn: throw, catch, score, win, lose
- How to play: Play simple sports while using vocabulary.
- What did you get? sports vocabulary + social skills
Children will learn to communicate in a friendly, competitive situation.
20. Scavenger Hunt: Find hidden items, but you have to listen carefully to understand.
- Learn the sentences: “Find something round and blue”
- How to play: Find the item according to the description.
- What did you get? adjectives + listening accuracy
Try adjusting the theme accordingly.Seasons and festivals To connect the vocabulary to real-life times.
Group 5: Academic Integration
21. Math Hopscotch: The numbers aren't sitting on paper.
- learn: numbers, jump to, skip
- How to play: Jump along to the numbers you hear.
- What did you get? math + language + movement
Suitable for children who dislike desk-based math.
22. Spelling Relay: An animated spelling game.
- learn: spelling, phonics
- How to play: Run and grab the letters to spell the word.
- What did you get? spelling + teamwork
Children remember words better because movement is involved.
23. Action Vocabulary Mime is expressed as a sentence, not just as a single word.
- learn: verb phrases (cook dinner, brush teeth)
- How to play: Demonstrate a sentence and have your friend guess it.
- What did you get? Daily routine vocabulary
It's good for connecting language to real life.
24. Exercise Commands Circuit: Exercise = Listening to language commands.
- learn: imperatives + numbers
- How to play: Follow instructions in a cyclical manner.
- What did you get? listening + endurance
Suitable for use in both homes and classrooms.
25. Role Play Adventures: The child is the protagonist of the story.
- learn: storytelling, descriptive language
- How to play: Create a scenario, such as an explorer in the jungle, or...Travelers who need to use English while traveling.
- What did you get? imagination + spontaneous speaking
This activity allows children to use language as freely as possible.
This group activity helps children
- Use English for real-life communication.
- Working with others
- And think in your own language, don't translate from Thai.
English will not be a subject, but a skill that children can "use" when needed.
How to integrate activities with the inlingua curriculum.
Many families may wonder how activities that involve children running, playing, and jumping can be incorporated into the curriculum and how much they can help develop their English language skills.
at inlingua Bangkok Learning through movement is not an optional activity, but rather an integral part of a systematically designed learning structure.
How inlingua Classes Incorporate Movement
Every lesson requires movement, not just sitting and listening.
In inlingua's English classes for children, each lesson includes a segment. Movement-based activities for approximately 15-20 minutes. This is directly related to the topic and vocabulary of that lesson.
For example,
- Learn about body parts → Use the Simon Says game.
- Learning about directions → Using obstacle course.
- Learn verbs → Use action games or role-playing.
These activities are not separate from the content but are used to help children. Understand and remember the language faster.
Teacher Training in Kinesthetic Learning
The teacher knows "when to encourage the children to move."“
Inlingua teachers, especially native speakers, are trained in teaching children and applying concepts. Total Physical Response (TPR) and Active Learning
The teacher will know that.
- When do children start to get tired?
- When should you switch from sitting to moving around?
- When should you use games to regain focus?
Therefore, activities are not about haphazardly releasing energy, but rather tools to help make learning smooth and continuous.
Small Group Benefits
Small group = Every child gets to participate.
Inlingua's children's classes. Limit the number of students to a maximum of... 8 people per room This is very important for active learning.
Every child will
- You can actually move around, no need to wait in line.
- You get to speak, you get to answer, you get to try and make mistakes.
- I don't feel like I've "disappeared in the classroom."“
Teachers can adjust the level of activities to suit each child, from energetic children to those who are still hesitant to express themselves.
Safe Learning Environment
Have fun, but stay safe.
The movement patterns in inlingua's classrooms are designed with safety as the primary consideration.
- Suitable area, no sharp objects.
- Activities tailored to age and physical condition.
- The teacher supervised closely at all times.
Children therefore learn through their bodies in an environment where their parents trust them. In addition, children also learn...Essential safety terminologyThrough these activities.
From the classroom → to real life.
What Inlingua emphasizes most is making children... Apply the English you've learned in real-life situations.
Movement activities in the class help lay the foundation for children.
- Dare to use the language.
- Not afraid of making mistakes
- Connect language to real-life situations.
This is why many children can use English better both in and out of the classroom.
Integrating activities into the curriculum isn't just about making learning "fun," but about designing learning experiences that align with the natural learning processes of children.
When the teaching structure supports movement, English will not be something forced, but a skill that children are ready to use with confidence.
Tips for parents: Make the most of these activities at home.
Learning English through movement doesn't require a lot of equipment or classroom preparation. All you need is an understanding of the core concept and the ability to adapt it to your daily family life.
1. Create a safe space first. It doesn't have to be big.
There's no need for a dedicated activity room; a small space in the house will suffice, as long as the child can move around safely.
- Remove any fragile items first.
- Use rugs, cushions, or pillows to support your movement.
- Choose activities that are suitable for the area; don't force yourself.
When parents feel at ease, children will be more willing to play and use language.
2. Adapt the activities to suit your home; they don't have to be the same as in class.
Active learning activities don't need to be exactly like the original; you can use everyday items around the house as substitutes, such as:
- Pillow = obstacle
- Paper tape = path
- Toys = treasure hunt
The important thing is not the equipment, but for the child to listen to English commands and move accordingly.
Read more: Family English Language Learning: 15 Activities for 3 Generations Here are some ideas for activities that the whole family can do together.
3. Let your child choose some activities themselves.
Children learn best when they feel they have a choice, not when they are told what to do.“
Try letting your child choose from 2-3 activities, such as, "Today, would you like to play a running game or a dancing game?"“
When children are involved in decision-making, they automatically become more receptive to the English language.
4. You don't need to correct every word; you don't need to speak exactly as written.
If your child makes mistakes in pronunciation or doesn't pronounce words clearly, there's no need to rush to correct them immediately. Learning through movement emphasizes courage and confidence before accuracy.
Parents can
- Repeat the correct sentence.
- Use tone of voice and body language to convey meaning without making the child lose confidence.
5. Consistency is better than infrequent but infrequent periods.
It doesn't need to take long. 10-15 minutes at a time, but do it often. It's more effective than playing for a long time once a week.
such as
- After school
- Before showering
- Break from doing homework.
Activities become a part of life, not just "special time that you have to force yourself to spend."“
Movement is the key to children learning language.
English language learning for children It's not necessary to start with books or memorization.
When children move, English becomes connected to their bodies, experiences, and feelings, making it easier to understand, memorable, and encouraging them to use it more confidently.
25 Active Learning Activities This article is designed to help parents choose activities based on their child's age, space, and family style. You don't have to do everything; just start with activities your child enjoys.
Next Steps for Parents
If you want your child...
- I learned English systematically through movement.
- They were able to use real language in a safe environment.
- And there are teachers who understand the nature of children.
at inlingua Bangkok We designed an English language curriculum for children that combines... Active Learning + Movement + Communication Perfectly matched
Let's start with something simple.
- Try a trial lesson with inlingua.
- Assess your child's English language level.
- Get personalized advice for your child's age.
👉 Make learning English fun from the very first step. https://www.inlinguabangkok.com/courses/english-young-learner/
