01/06/2025
🎉 First Day Back? Let’s Get Moving! (From a School-Based OT) 🛝
The first day back is exciting but can also feel overwhelming—for both students and teachers! That’s why regulation strategies are a must, and one of the most powerful tools we have is movement. 🧠💡
Here are my Top 8 Ways to Access Movement at School to keep kids (and you!) regulated, engaged, and ready to learn:
1️⃣ Move to Stories 📖: Pair storytelling with movement! Act out scenes, mimic actions, or create gestures for key parts of the story. It’s an interactive way to engage students while they regulate through movement.
2️⃣ YouTube Movement Breaks 📺: Quick, fun videos can energize kids or help them reset. My top 3 channels are:
GoNoodle 🎶: Fun dances, mindfulness, and silly challenges.
Cosmic Kids Yoga 🧘♀️: Story-based yoga adventures.
The Learning Station 🎵: Action-packed songs for movement and learning.
3️⃣ Head Outside to Learn ❄️🌨️: Even in snowy Saskatchewan winters, outdoor learning can be magical! Bundle up and:
Build snow structures ⛄ for teamwork and creativity.
Write spelling words or math problems in the snow with sticks or gloves.
Go on a nature walk to observe tracks, frost patterns, or discuss weather changes.
Do physical challenges like snowshoeing or sled-pulling races.
4️⃣ Create Communal Supply Stations ✂️: Encourage movement by setting up shared supply stations instead of individual desks. A little walking can help reset attention.
5️⃣ Act Out Key Concepts 🎭: Bring lessons to life with movement! Act out math problems, historical events, or science processes for fun and physical engagement.
6️⃣ Flexible Seating 🪑: Use yoga balls, wobble stools, or standing desks to allow movement while learning. This small change can have a big impact on focus.
7️⃣ Set Up Sensory Circuits or Brain Boost Stations 🎯: Create a circuit with activities to regulate and energize. Include stations for jumping (to stimulate), wall push-ups (to organize), and yoga poses (to calm). These circuits are quick, effective, and adaptable.
8️⃣ Classroom Chores 🧹: Simple jobs like delivering notes or tidying up are perfect for sneaking in a little movement while helping students feel purposeful.
💡 Why Movement Matters:
Research shows that physical activity improves executive function, strengthens working memory, and increases academic performance. On the first day back to school, movement can also ease transitions, reduce stress, and set the tone for a successful school year. Movement isn’t just about regulation—it’s about building stronger, happier, and more engaged learners.
Integrating movement helps you build a classroom that’s calm, focused, and ready to succeed. You’ve got this, teachers! 💪
🔄 Save this post for ideas and share it with other teachers and parents who need movement inspiration! What’s your favorite movement strategy for the first day back? Share in the comments! 👇
