TEACHER STANDARDS

Active Minds, Active Bodies: Exploring Embodied Learning in Primary Teaching

What if movement could do more than just burn energy – what if it could boost memory, focus and understanding? Active Minds, Active Bodies: Exploring Embodied Learning in Primary Teaching is a practical, research-informed course designed to help you harness the power of purposeful movement to deepen learning across the curriculum. Drawing on current evidence and insights, this course offers ready-to-use strategies, inclusive adaptations and whole-school approaches to make learning more active, engaging and effective for every pupil.
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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania, Saleena Sandhu & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

understand what embodied learning is, including how it encompasses broader physical factors such as movement, sleep and nutrition, and explore its potential to positively impact pupils' learning;
build a repertoire of strategies to meaningfully include physical activity in lessons, while considering how embodied cognition supports knowledge retention and engagement;
identify and avoid common pitfalls when incorporating physical activity into teaching, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from learning;
consider how to adapt embodied learning approaches to support pupils with SEND, ensuring inclusive and accessible practice;
reflect on, evaluate and refine your teaching, using embodied learning principles to improve lesson design and future planning.

Course Lessons

Written by: Yiotina Achilleos-Dania

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Yiotina has spent over a decade immersed in the world of primary education. Most of her teaching career, she juggled the roles of Science and Maths subject leader. Armed with degrees in Marketing Communications, Business Analysis and Education (plus a National Qualification of Middle Leadership), she’s been at the forefront of introducing new initiatives, reshaping curricula and championing practical, hands-on learning to ensure every pupil thrives.

From training staff to supporting long-term skill progression, Yiotina has always been passionate about helping both pupils and teachers grow. Now, as a CPD Content Writer and Editor, she’s swapped the classroom for the creative space of professional development, using her expertise to craft engaging, impactful resources that continue to support educators and learners.

Presented by: Saleena Sandhu

Saleena is a Video Content Creator on the CPD team at Twinkl. She has over 10 years of experience as a primary school teacher, having taught across the full primary range from EYFS to Year 6. Saleena has also supported and mentored trainee and early career teachers.

In collaboration with: Carly Watkins

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Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.