Movement breaks are a must in my classroom! We love incorporating music and interactive videos to use for these breaks throughout the day whenever it is needed. Here are some of our favorites in my Self-Contained Special Education classroom!
A Walk Through the Park
My students really enjoy watching nature walk-throughs. When we watched this video that took us on a stroll through Walt Disney World, my students were captivated. We were able to talk about growing plants as well as the bugs and animals that benefit.
A virtual field trip through any amusement park or playground area can be a nice, calming, movement break for everyone. Plus, you’re taking a field trip without the hassle of permission slips, loading up the bus, and leaving campus.
Aquariums or Nature Scenes
My students also love to watch videos that show aquariums and ocean creatures. Many are accompanied by relaxing music, and they can be calming and educational at the same time. When watching nature scenes, you can talk about the animals and other topics like their diets or the characteristics of their ecosystems.
Calming movement breaks can also be incorporated into your daily routine. Show students a Simple Schedule Board to prepare them for what is coming next.
Sensory Friendly Calm Downs
I also have students who love to watch these! Lights, bubbles, paint dripping, or spinning colors- these sensory videos are pretty popular in my classroom. They can help to calm or regulate students as well. Pair a calming sensory video with this Sensory Regulation Toolkit. With the choice boards, students can also choose a calming sensory movement break if that is something they like.
Fun Educational Music
My students of all levels, Junior High and High School included, still love fun educational songs. If students enjoy it, I believe that it’s still appropriate! These songs can contain many other educational benefits, like counting, alphabet, or vocabulary practice. Have your students practice song motions or dance around during these types of movement breaks.
Yoga for Children
YouTube has several options for children’s yoga. Yoga can have several benefits for your students. Yoga not only provides calming movement breaks but can also help children with balance and coordination, as well as stress and anxiety. It can get them up and practicing using their gross motor skills. There are occupational and physical therapy benefits to stretching and yoga.
An Interactive Run
This type of video will get your kids up and moving and maybe get some wiggles out. In my classroom, we are more selective about the times we can watch this type of video. It can take some time to calm down after going for an interactive video run, so use these high-energy types of movement breaks at your discretion.
Really ready to get up and moving? Check out OT Allison’s blog about building skills with obstacle courses!
An Interactive Timer
My students enjoy watching these interactive timers, especially ones with racing characters. The fact that they also have a timer is great because it has a distinct end, and students can tell when the timer is done, it’s time to move on to other things.
We love using these movement breaks as a whole group on our touchscreen board. Interested in more websites to use on your SMART Board? Check out Alyssa’s blog here! Whatever your movement break, as long as it’s school-appropriate and something your students are interested in, you can get creative with the endless options that are on YouTube.
