Movement Breaks
Movement breaks can be a great way to meet student sensory needs when they seek vestibular input or if they have been inactive or seated for long periods of time.
Class-wide Breaks: We often hear these breaks referred to as "brain breaks" in the classroom. They can be scheduled during traditions between long periods of seated instruction or during times where the class seems sluggish or unfocused such as before lunch or late in the afternoon. Be sure to choose movement activities that will leave their bodies ready for the next activity. For instance, a guided dance may be more appropriate before specials or lunchtime while yoga may be a better choice before math class. Use visuals, choice board, or project visual supports to provide guidance.
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| GoNoodle Videos |
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| Exercise Choice Board Brittany Bush Spinning Hills Middle School, Mad River |
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| Circle Time Yoga Moves Shanon Vance Valley Forge Elementary, Huber Heights |
Individual Breaks Within Classroom: There are a variety of ways to embed movement for individual students within the classroom. Some classrooms provide active adapted seating options, create movement-based center activities, or select movement-based classroom jobs for the student.
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| FOCUS Wall Center Amy Beanblossom Arcanum Elementary, Arcanum |
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| Stationary Bike Desk Allysson Rudnicki Tipp High School, Tipp City |
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| Sensory Circuit Exercise Choices Bobbi Jo Chapman Snyder Park Elementary, Springfield |
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| Classroom Sweeper Job Robbie Whorton Trotwood-Madison High School, Trotwood |
Individual Pull-out Breaks: Sometimes students need movement beyond what can be done within the classroom. They may need more room for gross motor movements or may need increased vestibular input.
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| Heavy Work Delivery Job Bradford Elementary |
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| Walk Break Choice Board Visual Support Peggy Ristau Brookville Intermediate, Brookville |
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| Weight Room Break Wayne High School, Huber Heights |
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| Sensory Room Choice Board Driscoll Elementary |
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a great sensory break activity to help students relax and calm their bodies.
Class-wide Breaks: In some of our classrooms, teachers schedule time to deep breath with students while waiting in line during transitions or when preparing for a test or quiz. There are a variety of video supports to guide students during deep breathing practice or any of the individual visual supports can be used as group supports.
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| Deep Breathing Video from GoNoodle Empower Tools Channel |
Individual Breaks Within Classroom: Visual supports can be a helpful way to support students learning to deep breath. Individual deep breathing breaks can be scheduled prior to transitions that are frequently stressful or challenging for the student.
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| Breathe Folder |
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| Rainbow Breath Visual Heather Balkcom Springcreek Primary, Piqua |
Individual Pull-out Breaks: Some students may need to be pulled out for direct instruction of deep breathing. Or they may benefit from whole body deep breathing activities such as belly breathing or air walk breathing.
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| Air Walk Breathing |
Sensory Neutral Calming Breaks
At times, students just need a time to relax. They need a break from sensory stimuli and active demands.
Class-wide Breaks: Class-wide breaks can be as simple as turning off the lights and putting on some calming music and allowing students to sit quietly. These breaks can also be a great opportunity to introduce mindfulness and meditation practices.
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| GoNoodle FLOW Channel |
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| Calm Connect (formerly MeMoves) Leslie Mann Smith Middle School, Vandali Butler |
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| Class Calming Time with Fidgets, Adaptive Seating, and Oceanscape Rylie Jarrett Stevenson Elementary, Mad River |
Individual Breaks Within Classroom: Having a safe spot to relax within the classroom such as a Calming Corner or Home Base can be a great way for students to escape sensory demands with minimal disruption to their learning. Schedule times to take a calming break before stressful transitions or prior to more challenging academic work. A cozy spot works well for many students while a tent can be an additional barrier to blocking out external clutter and stimuli.
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| Chill Corner Barbara Martin Watts Middle School, Centerville |
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| Pop Up Tent Rylie Jarrett Stevenson Elementary, Mad River |
Individual Pull-out Breaks: Some students may need to completely escape the classroom to decompress and regulate. Providing a separate sensory neutral location can be a great support.
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| Calming Sensory Room Kettering High School, Kettering |
When evaluating the effectiveness of your students' sensory break, keep in mind that participation in sensory breaks should result in students feeling/appearing calmer and more regulated. If you need help planning for these important breaks, consult with your district occupational therapist. For more information on proactively scheduled sensory breaks check out our previous blog post:
And for additional information on different types of breaks including Reinforcement and "In the Moment" Breaks don't miss this post:
