Movement sticks are an easy way to get kids up and moving throughout the day.
They’re the ultimate brain break!
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Mindful Movement and Exercise
I am a huge proponent of mindful movement and exercise when it comes to kids’ health.
It not only makes them stronger physically, but it also develops their mental and emotional strength as well.
Movement sticks are something that we created when my kids were little as a way to work in some exercise and give them brain breaks throughout the school day.
As anyone who has kids at home knows, they have a lot of energy.
Like A LOT of energy.
So, it’s important to sneak some purposeful movement into their day so that they can channel that exercise enthusiasm and be able to refocus on their learning.
Movement Sticks to the Rescue
Movement sticks are super simple to make and only require two things – wooden craft sticks and a marker.
On each stick, you write down a movement activity that your child should complete.
Everything from holding a plank for 10 seconds to doing 20 skater jumps is fair game.
For preschoolers, you might want to include activities like “hop like a frog” and “crawl like a crab” as movement options.
Then, throughout the school day, your kids take turns choosing one movement stick to complete.
You can use the last 10 minutes of every hour for older kids while every 20-30 minutes would be appropriate for younger kids.
The goal is that at the end of the day the sticks have all been pulled and all of the activities have been completed.
These micro-exercise sessions help channel energy, release endorphins, and improve kids’ focus and concentration.
Not to mention the fact that they’re also great exercises!
Printable Movement Stick Ideas
If you’re not sure what to put on your movement sticks, check out the printable that’s in the Freebies Library. It has 25 fun exercise options!
I formatted it so that you could print it, cut the cards out and use them instead of using craft sticks if you don’t have any on hand.
Of course, you can always just use the suggestions as what you write on the movement sticks if you choose to.
Sign up for the Freebies Library password by filling out the form below and it will be emailed to you.
Moving with Your Kids
No matter how you use the movement sticks they will be a great brain break for your kids – and you – throughout the school day!
Try completing the activities with them.
You may be surprised how getting up and moving improves your day as well!
Happy homeschooling!
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