Incorporating sensory and movement breaks into classroom routines can be an effective way to enhance student focus, engagement, and overall well-being. Such breaks are designed to meet the sensory needs of students and provide them with opportunities for physical activity, which can help in regaining concentration and reducing stress. Here are several ideas that teachers can employ to get their classrooms moving:
Dance Breaks
Select a song and have a 2-3 minute dance break where students can stand by their desks and dance to the music. It’s a fun way to get the blood flowing and engage multiple senses.
Yoga Poses
Teach students a few simple yoga poses for stretching and balancing. Poses such as the tree pose or warrior can be done with minimal space and are excellent for promoting mindfulness and concentration.
Simon Says
Play a quick round of “Simon Says” using actions that involve gross motor skills like hopping, skipping, or touching toes. This classic game hones listening skills while encouraging movement.
Desk Push-Ups
Students can do push-ups against their desks to build upper body strength. This can be done in short intervals throughout the day.
Mindful Breathing
Practice deep breathing exercises to help students relax and refocus. Guided imagery or counting breaths can be included to enhance the sensory experience.
Stretching Circuits
Create a small circuit of stretch stations around the classroom. Students rotate from one station to the next doing stretches for arms, legs, neck, etc.
Balance Beam
Use a strip of tape on the floor as an imaginary balance beam. Students take turns walking along it to improve balance and focus.
‘Freeze’ Dance
Similar to regular dance breaks but with an added twist. Play music and have students dance until the music stops; when it does, they must ‘freeze’ in place until it starts again.
Jumping Jacks Challenge
A classic physical activity that gets the heart rate up. Engage students in a jumping jacks challenge where they try to meet personal or collective goals.
Quiet Cube Game
Have a soft foam cube with different sensory or movement activities written on each side. Toss the cube to determine which activity the class will perform next.
These sensory and movement break ideas are just starting points for educators looking to integrate more kinesthetic activities into their daily classroom schedules. Not only do they support physical health, but also cognitive function by allowing students periods of renewal throughout academic learning sessions. By incorporating these into the school day, teachers will likely observe improved student behavior, increased attention spans, and better overall classroom dynamics.
