By: Michelle Beck, MOTR

Adding opportunities for movement throughout a child’s day is essential for the process of learning and producing a high-quality academic environment. These strategies can be used if your child has transitioned to online learning or during homework time.

The vestibular system, which gives us information regarding motion, balance, and spatial orientation, relies on movement to develop throughout childhood. Fun fact, it is the first sensory system to develop in utero! As a child moves through space, information is sent from the inner ear and eyes to the brain. Together with the proprioceptive sense (muscle and joint sense), the child is able to determine their location in space along with the direction and speed of their movements.

With this information, they can make adjustments as the task demands. The end result is smooth, coordinated gross and fine motor action.  Knowing that the vestibular system works closely with the eyes and ears, consider the expectation for a child to sit still, follow verbal instructions, and visually attend for extended periods.  It makes sense to provide the child with opportunities to engage their sensory systems if we want to set the child up for success in the classroom, wherever that may be.

The following are some ideas to get your child moving during their school day. Remember that these ideas are best as preventive measures, rather than reactive. If physical activity and breaks are worked into the schedule, the child’s body and brain will be primed for learning. This can lead to a decrease in disruptive behavior, avoidance, and lethargy during learning time.

  • Yoga
  • Dance parties
  • Hopscotch
  • Have the child assist with set up and break down or work areas- moving tables, chairs, books, and equipment
  • Scheduled walks, biking, or scooter rides
  • Toss bean bags or a ball back and forth while practicing spelling, or math problems
  • Alternative seating- swivel chair, wiggle seat, or yoga ball
  • Stand at an easel for writing and drawing activities
  • Lay prone on the ground while reading or engaged in video-based learning
  • Tie an elastic exercise band around chair legs to allow the feet to move and bounce.
  • Exercise breaks- chair push-ups, wall pushes, jumping jacks, hopping, twirling, toe touches, or other “in place” exercises
  • Simon Says or “Red Light/Green Light”
  • Wipe down chalkboards/white boards, tabletops, counters, or windows
  • Use sidewalk chalk outside to practice writing and math
  • Spread shaving cream on the shower wall and have your child practice letters, numbers, and shapes in the cream. You can add a little washable paint into the mix if your tile is white. Have the child use a spray bottle and towel to clean up.

Consider keeping a calendar or journal of what activities work best for your child.  This information will help you and your occupational therapist create a personalized plan for your family. Movement breaks make the learning process easier, more productive, and fulfilling for everyone involved.