Ideas for Movement and Sensory Break in the Classroom
- florastophasma
- Oct 27
- 2 min read
Flora, like many children with ASD, benefits from short sensory movement breaks throughout the day. Even during class, these brief “sensory breaks” help her regulate her body and mind, allowing her to remain calm, focused, and ready to learn.
And it’s not just Flora, all children benefit from a little movement in the classroom, especially when they have to sit for long periods or concentrate on demanding tasks.
Why movement and sensory breaks are important?
They regulate the body and mind.
Movement helps children manage their energy levels and emotions.
They improve concentration.
A child who moves and “wakes up” their body can stay calmer and more focused during lessons.
They renew attention.
Sitting still for long periods reduces attention. Movement acts as a natural “reset” for the brain.
They support genuine participation.
Sometimes children appear to be listening, but in reality they need a bit of movement to help them process information more effectively.
How can we bring movement into the lesson?
1. Hunting for Knowledge
Place questions or pieces of information in different parts of the classroom. Children move around to find the answers.
2. Topic Displays Around the Classroom
Write key lesson topics in various locations and ask the children to turn to the one that matches what you are currently discussing or teaching.
3. Body Quiz
Let the children answer through movement, for example:
If the answer is A, raise your hands.
If it’s B, put your hands on your right side.
If it’s C, put your hands on your left side.
4. “Right or Wrong” Corners
Create two signs in the classroom — one for “right” and one for “wrong”. Children move to the sign they believe matches the correct answer.
5. Role Play
Ask the children to use their bodies to create a “frozen image” that represents what they have learned.
6. Short Activation Breaks Between activities, take a few seconds to:
jump on the spot,
stretch,
take deep breaths.
7. Brain Activation Exercises
Touch the opposite knee with your elbow while walking on the spot.
Ask pupils to draw a figure eight in the air with both hands.
Play a game of “opposites”: when you say “sit down”, they must stand up.
In pairs, children imitate each other’s movements as if they were mirrors.
A Little Reminder
Sensory and movement breaks don’t interrupt learning, they enhance it. When the body is regulated, the mind can focus, collaborate, and create.
Even 30 seconds of movement can restore concentration for up to 10 minutes of learning.
Try these strategies in your classroom or at home and notice the difference in children’s mood and focus.
We will be uploading more tips and activities in the future, so keep visiting us.
You can contact us at florastophasma@gmail.com if you would like advice and strategies tailored to you.
The online session includes discussion and creation of the child's profile, personalized program and symbols, as well as a follow-up meeting, lasting 45-60 minutes upon payment.
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