So the question arises why do children sway while remembering lessons?
We try to address these questions in the light of scientific, psychological, and cultural aspects.
Why Do Children Sway When Remembering Lessons – A Look into Behavioral Learning Psychology
Why does a person shake when reading religious books?
When children read the Holy Quran in religious schools or memorize lessons in school, they are often seen moving left and right, back and forth, or fidgeting. This scene can be seen almost everywhere. Often parents and teachers wonder if this is just a careless habit or is there a mental or scientific reason behind it?
This is not limited to our local or religious tradition, but is a practice seen all over the world. This behavior is common in Western and Eastern countries, among Muslim and non-Muslim children and adults. This shows that it is not just a cultural or traditional habit but an internal, mental or physical need of a person.
When a person does something that requires a lot of attention or memory whether it's memorizing the Quran or reading the Torah the body automatically moves in ways that help the brain function better. From a scientific perspective, this kind of movement increases the brain's focus, strengthens memory, and reduces mental stress.
Historically, it is also called Shuckling in Judaism. When they read their religious scriptures, several people would bend over the same book, which started this back and forth movement. Over time, it became part of the educational and religious environment. Later, it was also given spiritual significance, although the main reason was mental and physical convenience.
Scientific foundations: concentration, oxygen and neuroscience
The role of mental concentration and rhythm: increased attention through movement
Many thoughts are running through a person's mind at the same time, so sometimes it becomes difficult to focus fully on studying or any one task. In such a situation, if a person slowly moves his body, such as rocking back and forth or rocking in a chair, the brain gets a certain rhythm. This rhythm reduces unnecessary thoughts in the brain and keeps the mind focused on the current task. It is like playing soft music in a noisy room, which calms the mind. This is why children move while reading and adults also move their feet or rock in a chair when thinking the goal is only one: to focus and reduce mental stress.
The importance of blood flow and oxygen in cognitive functions
When we memorize lessons or verses of the Quran, the brain has to work very hard. For this work, the brain needs more oxygen, and oxygen reaches the brain through the blood. When a person does a slight physical movement, such as slowly swinging or shaking, the heart rate increases slightly, but the body does not get tired. This increases blood flow and the brain gets more oxygen and nutritional power. When neurons (brain cells) get more oxygen, they work better, which makes learning and remembering easier. Science has proven that there is a close relationship between learning and physical movement. That is, when the body moves a little, the brain starts working faster. This principle is considered an important law of neuroscience today that body movement directly improves brain performance.
The vestibular system and memory are closely linked.
When a person swings or shakes, the most important role is played by Vestibular system (Vestibular System), which is our Inner ear It exists in the body. The function of this system is only Maintaining balance No, but it is the mind To remember, to recognize direction, and to think It also helps in. When a person swings slowly, this movement stimulates the vestibular system. Slowly moving does, meaning it is a kind of internal Massage It awakens this system like this. It makes the brain Theta rhythm Electrical signals called (Theta Rhythm) are generated, which Very important for memory and learning. This movement Hippocampus It also goes to the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain where memories are stored. Acetylcholine A chemical called acetylcholine is released in large quantities, which helps strengthen memory. This is why swinging or shaking stimulates the brain. Ready to learn It brings me. Surprisingly, this benefit is not only available when you are awake, but Movements like swinging even during sleep improve memory. That is why people who have problems with this balance system of the ear often have Memory or attention deficits are also seen. That is, swinging is not just a habit but a natural way to strengthen the brain system.
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Psychological stress and strategies for achieving peace
Why do children shake when remembering lessons? Natural release of energy and prevention of boredom
When children move while reading, it is not a bad habit but a natural reaction of the body and mind. Children naturally have a lot of energy, but when they have to sit still for a long time and read, this energy wants to escape somewhere. If they do not get a chance to play or run, they involuntarily start moving slowly to release this excess energy. This movement saves them from boredom or boredom and they can sit with attention for a long time. In fact, this movement is a kind of break given by the body that keeps the mind fresh and makes reading easier.
Swinging: A means of relieving stress and anxiety
According to psychologists, swinging is a useful way for humans to calm themselves down, meaning it is a Self-soothing technique. When a person swings, a deep peace arises in his mind, like a small child swinging in its mother's lap and becoming quiet. This movement is a kind of Feeling safe. It reduces tension and anxiety. Especially when a student is under pressure to study a lot in a short time or a lesson is difficult, this swinging helps him to continue studying by reducing his mental stress. Some scientific research also shows that this repeated movement of the brain Reward system It also activates the mind, meaning that a person finds inner happiness and comfort, which is why some people shake just to feel good.
Using movement as an anchor to reinforce memory
When a person reads by swinging or moving, it strengthens memory, because the brain connects two things at the same time: one is reading or repeating, and the other is body movement. When these two are combined, the neural connections in the brain are strengthened and the lesson is remembered for a long time. In this case, the swinging movement is a kind of Sensory anchor , that is, it becomes a support for the brain to remember. That is why many Quran memorizers have experienced that if they are swinging and the movement is suddenly stopped, their lesson also stops. This proves that movement plays an essential role in recalling memory. Scientists have also found that if small hand gestures or physical movements are also accompanied while remembering long lessons or information, they Solid and lasting memory It is formed, while just sitting and remembering without moving is not as effective.
Preventive and educational advice for teachers and parents
Most of the time, rocking is not harmful, but helpful. But if a child is truly doing it because of a medical problem, parents and teachers should exercise discretion.
If a child is rocking while memorizing the Quran or other lessons and has been diagnosed with autism or ADD/ADHD, they should be allowed to do so instead of scolding them, as this movement helps their mind focus.
It is important for teachers who teach the Quran to be given some training so that they can understand that not every child is the same. The teacher should stay in touch with the parents and if they feel that the child is behaving very differently from normal children, they should advise the parents to get a check-up.
If an adult swings excessively, they should also have their health tested to see if there is an internal problem. The simple rule is that if the movement is not excessive and there are no other problems, then it is a natural help, it is not necessary to stop immediately.
Religious and cultural context: centuries of tradition
The tradition of swinging and spiritual unity in Islamic education
In Islamic societies, rocking back and forth is a common practice when children memorize or recite the Quran. Almost all children in madrasas do this. Many experts say that this is not a new thing, but an old tradition that has been going on for centuries. Children learn this style by watching each other, so it becomes part of the educational environment.
Some people also believe that this movement is not just a habit but also helps to create spiritual harmony. That is, when a child gently swings and reads the Quran, his heart and mind are more attentively involved in the word of Allah. Some scholars say that the rhythm of the Quran's recitation matches the heartbeat, which creates a kind of inner harmony.
Although there is not much scientific or religious research on this topic, most scholars only give brief answers. But overall, swaying during memorization is a natural process that occurs automatically to gain more attention.
The same practice is also found among Jews called Shuckling.
Not only Muslims, but Jews also sway back and forth while reading the Torah or praying. This practice is known in Yiddish as Shuckling. It is called. The 12th century Rabbi Judah Halevi also mentioned it and said that this custom arose when in ancient times several people would take turns reading from the same book, so each person had to lean forward to read and then lean back. This custom later became a permanent habit.
Spiritually, Jewish scholars say that this movement engages a person in worship with all their physical energy. According to them, when a person immerses themselves in the word of God, their soul moves like the flame of a candle flickers.
This shows that although this practice was initially done out of practical necessity, over time people realized the spiritual benefit in it, so it has now become a meaningful tradition.
The relationship between movement speed and recitation
Observations show that when children or adults read at a fast pace or with great enthusiasm, their swinging speed also increases. And when they read slowly and calmly, such as during prayer or meditation, the swinging is greatly reduced or eliminated.
This means that rocking is not a purposeless movement, but a habit that automatically adjusts to the brain's load and attention. Sometimes this movement even helps them stay awake, especially when they are reading aloud in the morning or at night and start to fall asleep.
When should I be concerned and when should I consult a specialist?
As long as the rocking motion is helping the child focus and is within his or her limits, it should not be a cause for concern. Parents and teachers should only be concerned and seek professional help if the movement is unusually intense, the rocking continues uncontrollably, or if the movement is accompanied by other developmental or behavioral symptoms, such as language delays or severe behavioral difficulties. The presence of these symptoms may be a sign of an underlying medical or psychological problem (such as autism, severe anxiety, or OCD), which requires consultation with a pediatrician or psychologist.
When movement indicates a medical aspect: Attention and behavioral disorders
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and the Need to Swing
Some children and adults have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to sit still for long periods of time, such as ADD or ADHD. It is very difficult for such people to sit still, so they often rock or sway while studying. This movement is not a useless habit, but rather a way for them to reduce their anxiety and regain their focus. Some studies have also shown that if such children are given a rocking chair, their brains work better and they are more relaxed and able to focus on their studies. This means that this movement is a useful tool for them, not just a habit.
Autism and Sensory Overload Management
Children with autism or other behavioral problems often rock or wiggle. For them, this movement is a way to control themselves. When they are overwhelmed by sounds, lights, or thoughts (called sensory overload), they try to calm their minds through this movement. Experts say that it is wrong to stop such children from rocking, because it causes them pain. Therefore, teachers and parents should understand that this movement is a protective mechanism for some children, through which they control their emotions.
When should I be concerned and when should I consult a specialist?
As long as the rocking motion is helping the child focus and is within his or her limits, it should not be a cause for concern. Parents and teachers should only be concerned and seek professional help if the movement is unusually intense, the rocking continues uncontrollably, or if the movement is accompanied by other developmental or behavioral symptoms, such as language delays or severe behavioral difficulties. The presence of these symptoms may be a sign of an underlying medical or psychological problem (such as autism, severe anxiety, or OCD), which requires consultation with a pediatrician or psychologist.
Positive strategies: improving academic support and the learning environment
Research findings teach us that instead of suppressing movement, it is more appropriate to use it as a tool in the educational environment. This approach recognizes children's need for kinesthetic learning, in which information is acquired through physical contact.
It is important for teachers to be aware of and receive relevant training regarding psychological conditions (such as ADD/ADHD and autism) so that they can meet the individual needs of each student. In addition, for students who are struggling to concentrate, using rocking chairs or incorporating gestures and body language during instruction can be a more meaningful and effective way to improve long-term memory. In light of cognitive principles, accepting movement as a cognitive aid rather than criticizing it will make the teaching process more effective and humane.
Summary
It should be kept in mind that a child's rocking while reading or a person's rocking back and forth while reciting religious books is not a weakness or a bad habit. Rather, it is a natural way of the human mind and body to make themselves attentive. If a child reads with movement, it does not mean that he is frivolous or rude, but rather that he is preparing his mind to work better. Whether this habit is seen in religious schools, in ordinary schools or in a home environment we need to understand it instead of considering it bad. The real wisdom lies in accepting movement as a learning tool instead of suppressing it. If we allow children to learn in their natural way, they not only remember more but also develop a love of reading. This should be the main goal of training.
You have come to understand why children shake while memorizing lessons or why people shake while reciting the Holy Quran or reading religious books. The answer to this has now been found in a scientific manner.
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