Integration of physical education and mathematics: Improvement of spatial awareness and laterality in third grade primary students

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a participatory action research project involving teachers, parents and students from an elementary school in Ciudad Juárez. The purpose of this research was to strengthen spatial location and laterality in third-grade elementary school students through physical education. For this purpose, an intervention plan was designed and implemented using pedagogical strategies that combined physical movement with mathematical understanding. The results reveal significant improvements in students’ ability to understand and apply spatial and laterality concepts, suggesting that integrating physical education and mathematics can improve academic performance in both areas. Furthermore, an increase in students’ active participation during the intervention activities was observed, demonstrating that the practical and dynamic approach fostered interest and motivation to learn. The importance of parents’ active collaboration in their children’s school activities was also highlighted, as their participation is key to consolidating students’ cognitive, physical and social skills.