Occasionally I get feedback from teachers and ed techs that “motor breaks aren’t working” and that opening up their classroom to a motor experience results in more chaos. Can you relate? Naturally, after picking up the pieces of a motor break gone wrong, it may feel tempting to ditch motor breaks from your toolbox. It is my hope that some of this information might pump the breaks on that initial knee jerk reaction and renew your enthusiasm for getting your students up and moving in the classroom with an effective result!
Consider these ideas when implementing a motor break:
Just like every aspect of your classroom schedule, motor break expectations and routines must be taught and practiced before they can run smoothly. It may feel chaotic at first but I urge you to dig into it a bit until students understand the boundaries of these new motor experiences. Consider using a consistent ritual to start and end your motor break time. A chant or song to gather kids for the start of the motor break and a guided breathing activity to close out the motor break may provide a sense of structure.
Make motor breaks part of the schedule and routine for your classroom. Predictability in itself is calming. Try starting with a pre-writing hand and posture “warm up” routine, a pre morning meeting yoga flow or even pre spelling test mindfulness activity?
A motor break is more than just moving your body. Motor breaks should have purpose. Is your intention to energize, refocus or provide rest? Be thoughtful when selecting a motor break for your class. Read the classroom. Are they sleepy? High energy? Bored? On brain overload? What is needed to re engage them?
More active and alerting motor breaks should ALWAYS transition to slower movements or mindfulness activity. A group breathing activity is the perfect way to refocus your group after a higher energy or collaborative activity. Consider this concept when students are transitioning in from recess too. It may be worth using 2 minutes of your day for a calming activity.
Take even the little opportunities for movement by subtly imbedding it into your curriculum. When reviewing material or asking a question, prompt your class to give a motor response rather than raising their hand (“Stand up/jump/etc. if you…know the answer/think this is correct, etc.)
Participate with your students in the activity so that they have a real live visual model of what is expected. Shy or uninterested students may be more likely to join in on the fun if they see that you are!
Consider your classroom seating and set up. Adding flexible and dynamic seating options such as wiggle cushions, wiggle stools, ball chairs and standing workstations is a great way to make your class more physically engaged without much effort. Consider vertical writing surfaces on the wall such as whiteboards, chalk boards, magnet boards or ream paper to encourage more engaged postures. Try calling everyone to an on belly position during read aloud or while coloring/journaling with clipboards.
There is science behind it! Knowing that your efforts to support movement in your classroom has positive rewards may help you push through the initial effort and frustration it may take to make motor breaks work in your classroom. Check out these articles:
9. Use your resources! Consult with your school occupational or physical therapist if you’d like help making motor breaks more successful and effective! Take a look at the resources below if you are looking for new ideas to incorporate into your classroom!
⭐ GoNoodle
Created By: Casie Levesque PT
