In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of incorporating stretching breaks into the classroom for students in special education. Stretching not only helps students feel better physically, but it can also have a calming effect on their minds. By taking a few minutes to engage in simple stretching exercises, educators can help their students improve focus, reduce stress, and build essential social-emotional skills.

Introduction

Stretching breaks can be a powerful tool for educators working with students in special education. These short, focused periods of physical activity can help students relax their bodies and minds, improving their ability to concentrate and engage with learning materials. Additionally, stretching breaks can help students develop self-awareness, self-regulation, and stress management skills, all of which are essential components of social-emotional learning.

No-Prep Activity: Guided Stretching Break

This simple activity requires no preparation or materials, making it easy for educators to implement in the classroom. Follow these steps to guide your students through a calming stretching break:

1. Ask students to stand up and find their own space, ensuring they are not too close to their neighbors.
2. Encourage students to place their feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart, and extend their arms out to the sides.
3. Guide students through a series of deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly to help them relax their bodies.
4. Lead students in gently moving their head side to side and in circular motions, focusing on the neck muscles.
5. Direct students to stretch their arms across their bodies, holding the stretch for a few seconds on each side.
6. Finish the stretching break with side stretches and gentle toe touches, encouraging students to bend their knees and focus on the stretch in their legs.

Remember to remind students to listen to their bodies and only stretch as far as is comfortable for them.

Discussion Questions

After the stretching break, engage your students in a discussion with the following questions:

1. How did the stretching break make you feel physically and mentally?
2. Why is it important to listen to our bodies and not overstretch during these activities?
3. Can you think of other situations where taking a stretching break might be helpful?
4. How can we incorporate stretching breaks into our daily routine to support our well-being?
5. What other strategies can we use to manage stress and stay focused in the classroom?

Related Skills

Stretching breaks can support the development of a variety of social-emotional skills in students, including:

• Self-awareness: Recognizing and understanding their emotions, physical sensations, and stress levels.
• Self-regulation: Managing emotions and stress in a healthy way, as well as staying focused on tasks.
• Resilience: Bouncing back from challenges and maintaining a positive attitude.
• Healthy habits: Developing routines that support physical and mental well-being.

Next Steps

Interested in incorporating more social-emotional learning activities into your special education classroom? Sign up for free samples of skill-building materials and resources at Everyday Speech. Explore a variety of engaging, easy-to-use activities designed to help your students develop essential social-emotional skills and thrive in the classroom and beyond.