10 Creative Ways to Use Movement for Better Classroom Behavior and Engagement
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Welcome to our yearlong series on Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers. Each week we will give you a new piece to the classroom management puzzle to have in place when you need it this school year. Think of it as a Lego kit just waiting to be built.
Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers: 10 Creative Ways to Use Movement for Better Classroom Behavior and Engagement
Introduction:
As a primary teacher, you know how challenging it can be to keep young students focused and on task throughout the school day. Adding movement to your routine can be a game-changer for classroom management and student behavior. Last week, we explored why movement is so beneficial—from boosting brain function to improving emotional regulation. This week, we’re taking it a step further with 10 creative, actionable ways to integrate movement into your daily schedule.
Whether you’re looking for quick brain breaks or subject-specific activities, these ideas will help your students stay engaged, focused, and ready to learn. Let’s dive in!
1. Morning Movement Routines: Start the Day Right
Set the tone for a positive and focused day with a morning movement routine. Activities like stretching, yoga, or a quick dance session can help your students transition from home to school mode.
Yoga for Kids: Simple poses like "tree" or "downward dog" help students center themselves and improve focus. Try a short video from resources like Cosmic Kids Yoga.
Dance-Along Videos: Play a popular song with easy dance moves to get their bodies moving and their brains ready to learn. Websites like GoNoodle have excellent options.
Jumpstart Focus: Ask students to perform jumping jacks or touch their toes while reciting the day’s schedule. This reinforces routine while engaging their bodies.
2. Brain Breaks: Quick Refocus Strategies
Brain breaks are essential for resetting students' energy and focus, especially during long instructional blocks. Keep them short and simple, so they’re easy to implement.
Freeze Dance: Play music and let students dance, but they must freeze when the music stops. It’s fun, and it sharpens self-regulation skills.
Stretch and Wiggle: Lead students in stretches or let them "shake out" their arms and legs to release tension.
Action Simon Says: Combine movement and listening skills with a classic game of Simon Says, but include actions like "jump three times" or "spin in a circle."
3. Subject-Specific Movement: Bring Lessons to Life
Movement doesn’t have to interrupt learning; it can enhance it! Incorporate physical activity into your core subjects to boost engagement.
Math: Use hopscotch to practice counting or multiplication. Draw a grid on the floor and have students solve problems by hopping to the correct answer.
Reading: Act out stories or use hand motions to represent vocabulary words. For example, students can "fly" like a bird or "sneak" like a fox.
Science: Turn science lessons into scavenger hunts. For example, students can find objects around the classroom that match a specific material or texture.
4. Transition with Movement
Transitions are often a challenging time for classroom management. Adding structured movement can make them smoother and more efficient.
March to Your Seats: Have students march, hop, or tiptoe back to their desks after group activities.
Transition Songs: Play a familiar tune and let students dance their way to the next activity.
Directional Movement: Give directions like "hop to the carpet," "spin to the science center," or "walk backward to the reading corner."
5. Flexible Seating: Movement While Learning
Flexible seating options encourage subtle movement during learning, which can help students focus and stay on task.
Wobble Stools: Allow students to wiggle while seated, which helps them release energy without disrupting others.
Standing Desks: Great for students who struggle to sit for long periods.
Floor Mats and Cushions: Let students shift positions and stretch while they work.
6. Outdoor Learning: Fresh Air and Movement
Whenever possible, take learning outside! Movement paired with fresh air can rejuvenate your students and improve focus.
Nature Walks: Use a short walk to teach science concepts like observing plants, weather, or insects.
Outdoor Storytime: Let students act out parts of the story they’re reading. Being outside adds an extra layer of excitement.
Learning Stations: Set up stations outdoors where students complete tasks that involve running, hopping, or balancing.
7. Movement and Music: Engaging All the Senses
Music and movement are a dynamic duo for primary students, making learning fun and memorable.
Action Songs: Use songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" or "If You’re Happy and You Know It" to teach body awareness and coordination.
Classroom Drumming: Have students drum on their desks or the floor to practice rhythms and patterns.
Song and Dance: Create a class theme song with movements to build community and excitement for learning.
8. Recess with a Purpose
Recess is more than just a break; it’s an opportunity to teach important social-emotional skills while encouraging movement.
Organized Games: Introduce cooperative games like "Red Light, Green Light" or "Four Corners" that promote teamwork and self-regulation.
Obstacle Courses: Set up simple courses using cones, jump ropes, or hula hoops to encourage problem-solving and physical activity.
Reflection Circles: After recess, gather in a circle and let students share how the activity made them feel. This reinforces emotional awareness.
9. Movement Challenges for Fun Rewards
Motivate students with fun movement challenges that tie into classroom goals.
Classroom Challenges: "Can we all stand on one foot for 10 seconds?" or "Let’s do 20 jumping jacks together!" These build a sense of teamwork.
Personal Goals: Encourage students to set movement goals, like running a certain number of laps or learning a new yoga pose.
Reward System: Use movement activities as a reward for good behavior or meeting learning milestones.
10. End-of-Day Cool-Down: Transition to Home
Help students wind down and transition to the end of the day with calming movements.
Mindful Breathing: Lead students in deep breathing exercises combined with gentle stretches.
Reflective Movements: Ask students to act out their favorite part of the day with simple motions.
Gratitude Circle: End the day with a gratitude walk, where students take a few steps and share something they’re thankful for.
Overcoming Common Challenges
You might worry about space, time, or managing movement activities. Here’s how to address those concerns:
Limited Space: Use small-scale movements like desk stretches or standing exercises.
Time Constraints: Keep activities short (2-5 minutes) and integrate them into transitions or academic lessons.
Behavior Management: Set clear expectations for movement activities. For example, use a signal (like a bell or clap) to transition back to quiet work.
Conclusion:
Incorporating movement into your daily schedule doesn’t just improve classroom management; it transforms your learning environment. Movement enhances focus, regulates emotions, and fosters collaboration among students. By weaving movement into your routines, transitions, and lessons, you’ll create a classroom that’s not only more productive but also more joyful.
So, what are you waiting for? Start small, experiment with different strategies, and watch how movement makes a difference in your students’ behavior and learning. Your classroom—and your students—will thank you!
You're INVITED!
Do you believe that movement in the classroom can improve your classroom management?
Give us 5 days and we will show you exactly how this works. (Best of all, it's FREE!)
Date: Jan. 27 - Jan. 31
Time: Time will vary because let's face it we're teachers and who knows what will pop up. Recordings will be sent out:)
Take 30 seconds to register now: Movement to Mastery Challenge
Here is a brief video introducing the 4 basic moves that all of the other movements will stem from:
Click here: Movement to Mastery Intro Video
DID YOU KNOW…
Did you know I organize a FREE Facebook Group for Mastering Classroom Management? We are gearing up for our school year quarter sessions, so if you’re looking for a simple way to improve your classroom management join the already 200+ teachers that have signed up: Mastering Classroom Management Facebook Group
Your ebook GIFT: Empowering Primary Teachers: Effectively Manage Disruptive and Violent Behaviors in the Classroom
FINALLY…
If you enjoyed the tips in this post, you might also enjoy this series of videos Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers:
Why Incorporating Movement Into the School Day Improves Classroom Management
The Importance of Identifying Gifts and Talents in Each Student
Back to Basics: Teaching Expectations and Routines in January
Staying Organized as a Primary Teacher in January
Making Your Teacher Dollar Stretch This Holiday Season
Don’t forget to follow us over on Instagram!
Teach~Relax~Repeat
Lauren
