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You are here: Home / Sensory Regulation / Movement Break Ideas for the Classroom

Movement Break Ideas for the Classroom

January 14, 2017 by Amy Smith

Most teachers and parents have probably experienced first hand how “antsy” kids can get after sitting at school all day long.  It may not be the children’s fault they can’t sit still that long, oftentimes, they are being asked to sit longer than their bodies can handle.

Too much time in sedentary behaviors leads to decreased attention and a loss of focus.   On the contrary, research shows that exercise improves brain plasticity, mental performance, and learning.  So, help your child overcome the obstacles of sitting too long and incorporate movement into the day with these movement break ideas for the classroom!

Incorporate movement into your child's day at school or at home with these quick and easy ideas that don't require much space or supplies.

Before you get started, remember these things….

1. PLAY FUN MUSIC- Moving around isn’t nearly as much fun without music.

2. BE A MOTIVATOR- How can you expect kids to be moving around if your sitting at your desk? Be active along with the kids

3. SHORT & SWEET-  Movement breaks can be short (as little as 4-5 minutes) but should be frequent (3-5 times per day would be ideal)

4. ANY MOVEMENT IS BETTER THAN NO MOVEMENT – It’s okay if the kids aren’t following the moves exactly right, as long as their moving (safely), they will get some benefits of exercise

Movement Break Ideas for the Classroom…..


Line Jumps- (Do 10) Pick a line or place a pencil on the floor and jump over it side- to-side

line-jumps-1

line-jumps-2

Jumping Jacks- (Do 10)

jumping-jacks

Chair Sits (Do 10)- Have child sit down and stand up repeatedly from their chairs

chair-sits-seated

chair-sits-standing

Run in Place (Do for 30 seconds)

running-in-place

 

Desk Push Ups- (Do 10) Bring shirt to desk and then push back

desk-push-ups

 

Popcorn Pops – (Do 10) Grab  knees then “pop out” by jumping with arms and legs reaching out 

popcorn-knees
Start with hands on knees

 

popcorn-out
Then “pop out” by jumping up and extending arms and legs out

Cross Crawls – (Do 10) Touch elbow to opposite knee 10 times

Movement Break Ideas for the Classroom
Tip: Read this easy tip to make crossing mid-line easier

Windmills – (Do 10) Touch fingers to opposite foot and repeat on other side

windmills

Bridge Pose -(Do for 30 Seconds) Put hands and feet on floor then lift hips up…. Optional-Put a pencil on their belly to remind them to keep their hips up

bridge

Plank Pose- (Do for 30 Seconds) Get into a push up position with belly off the floor and hips aligned with back and hold. Optional- Put a pencil on their back to remind them to keep their hips and back aligned 

plank

Try GoNoodle.com – This is an amazing website with lots of free videos for kids to get them moving.  They have Zumba Kids, Indoor Recess videos, Kids Bop videos, Brain-ercise videos, and lots more, all for FREE!

go-noodle-icon

Yoga for Kids- This Yoga for Kids on YouTube offers free yoga videos designed for kids that makes yoga feel less intimidating and more “kid friendly” than typical yoga practices.

cosmic-yoga-pic

 

Whatever you do to get the kids moving is better than doing nothing at all! So have fun, be creative, and get those kids’ bodies and brains moving! Enjoy!


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Filed Under: Gross Motor Activities, Sensory Regulation Tagged With: kids exercise, movement activities, school activities

Disclaimer

Kids Play Smarter is a blog about general ideas, theories, and concepts related to the field of occupational therapy and the growth and development of all children. The information presented on this blog is not intended to serve as or replace occupational therapy services for your child. The information on this blog is for entertainment, informational, and educational purposes only. This blog is not meant to replace formal professional consultation or evaluation from a qualified clinician. All children need to have the approval of a physician to participate in physical activities, including those described on this blog. In addition, children need to be supervised by a responsible adult at ALL times when completing activities that are illustrated and described on this blog. The author of this blog is NOT responsible or liable for any damage, injury, accident, illness, death, or adverse reaction due to participation in the activities described on the website.

Welcome to Kids Play Smarter

Amy Smith I am an occupational therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children. I created this website to offer parents, teachers, and therapists FREE ideas, strategies, and activities that they can do with their children to improve their fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, academic learning, and regulate their sensory system all while "playing" (just playing smarter)! Read More…

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