Music, Movement and Mathematics

Summary of Samsudin, Bakar & Noor (2019)

Background & Existing Knowledge

Prior studies have established that music and movement activities enhance cognitive processing, motor coordination, and social skills in young learners.

New Insights from This Study

✔ Music improves mathematical pattern recognition and logical reasoning in early childhood education.
✔ Rhythmic-based learning sustains student attention and engagement in the classroom.
✔ Movement-based learning helps improve kinesthetic awareness and spatial reasoning.

Practical Applications: How Educators Can Use This Research

1. Interdisciplinary Lesson Planning

📌 Utilize rhythmic movements such as clapping and stepping to teach numerical patterns.
📌 Use music and dance activities to reinforce fundamental math concepts.
📌 Apply interactive musical games to help with counting and sequencing.

2. Creating Inclusive Classrooms

📌 Conduct group music-based exercises to promote collaboration and peer learning.
📌 Provide open-ended movement tasks to help students personalize their learning.
📌 Use music as a calming tool to improve classroom focus and behavior.

3. Developing Psychomotor Skills

📌 Introduce rhythmic pattern exercises to support early childhood motor skill development.
📌 Implement drumming and movement-based coordination games.
📌 Encourage interactive dance activities to enhance spatial awareness and math reasoning.

Conclusion

This study reinforces the idea that integrating music and movement into math instruction can increase student motivation, comprehension, and retention.

Reference

Samsudin, M. A., Bakar, K. A., & Noor, N. M. (2019). The benefits of music and movement in early mathematics.  Creative Education, 10, 3071-3081. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2019.1012231 

Suggested Citation

Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Music, Movement and Mathematics. Excellent Educator, 2(4), 2.