Sensory and Movement Activity Ideas for the Classroom!
(Activities that promote focus and attention!)
Some Tips!
- Keep physical activity breaks short and manageable. Shoot for 3 - 5 minute breaks at least 2-3 times per day. More if you can!
- Participate with your students in the activity. Students will be more likely to join in and have fun if they see their teachers moving with them.
Heavy Work Ideas
1. Erase or wash dry erase board
2. Wash/clean desks or tabletops
3. Carry a box of books or other heavy items
4. Push or stack chairs
5. Rearrange bookshelves or tables/desks
6. Be the door holder
7. Staple paper onto a bulletin board
8. Move trash can to another location
9. Carry basket of items
10. Make deliveries to the office
11. Squeeze stress balls or fidget toys
12. Cut heavy paper or cardboard with scissors
Movement Ideas
1. Sit in a rocking chair when reading or during floor time
2. Sit on an inflated air cushion places on a chair or floor
3. Hand out papers and materials for the teacher
4. Push your feet into theraband placed around chair legs
5. Do head, neck, and shoulder rolls while sitting
6. Take a stretch break after sitting for a long time
7. Walking to the water fountain for a drink
8. Brain Gym movements
9. Yoga
10. Arm circles
11. Movement games like “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”
12. Breath deeply (in through your nose/our through your mouth)
13. Follow the leader
14. Freeze dance
15. Standing at their desks instead of sitting
16. Playing a GoNoodle video
Weight Bearing Ideas
1. Chair push ups
2. Push on desktop or table top
3. Wall push ups
4. Regular push ups
5. Wheelbarrow walks
6. Crab walk
7. Bear walks
8. Frog jumps
9. Bunny hops
10. Stomp their feet
11. Sit and bounce on therapy ball
12. Push hands together
13. Wrap arms around self and squeeze for a big hug
Oral Motor Ideas
1. Chew on straws
2. Blow up balloons
3. Chew on gum
4. Using Chewelry or other oral motor items
5. Drink water through a sports bottle
6. Suck applesauce or a smoothie through a straw
7. Eating crunchy or chewy foods like pretzels, bagels, carrots, popcorn
8. Mints or mint flavored gum help us to stay alert and focused
9. Blowing cotton balls with a straw