Classroom Movement Sticks

Movement is so important for not only our physical health, but our mental health. Now, more than ever, I am reminded of that! Sitting all day at a computer or at a desk can be exhausting and can leave me feeling sluggish and not able to be attentive… same goes for your students. Taking movement breaks every hour at least can keep everyone in a better mood, ready to learn and feel energized. One way to add this into your classroom is by using movement sticks. These are great to use by an individual student if they feel like they just need to get blood flowing or for the entire class to use together. Simply pull a couple of sticks and follow the prompts!

This a simple and quick project for you to do anytime. I started with painting my wide popsicle sticks with acrylic paint (totally optional, but I like to add some colour!), then choose the exercise to write directly on the stick. Finally, store in a jar somewhere is easily accessible to your students.

I also think this work virtually… Pull a few sticks and move all together from wherever you may be!

Here is a list of easy exercises you could choose from:

• 5 jumping jacks
• 5 tuck jumps
• Arm circles
• Spell your name with each ankle
• Reach up to the stars
• Touch your toes
• Squats
• Skip
• Run on the spot
• Move your head side to side
• 5 deep breaths
• Wall pushups
• Plank
• 6 high knees
• 1 foot hops
• 4 Lunges
• Wiggle your body
• Balance on 1 foot
• Crunches
• Dance for 10 seconds
• Wrist circles
• Jump side to side 6 times
• Jump front to back 6 times

What other movement breaks do you use in your class?

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