As educators, it’s important to help our students develop self-awareness and self-regulation skills. One effective way to achieve this is by teaching them how to check their bodies for tension and relaxation. In this blog post, we’ll discuss a simple, no-prep activity that encourages students to explore how their bodies feel, promoting a more relaxed and focused learning environment.

Introduction

When students can identify and manage their physical sensations, they are better equipped to handle stress and maintain focus during challenging situations. This is a critical component of Social-Emotional Learning, as it empowers students to become more self-aware and self-regulated learners. The Wiggling Body Scan activity described in this blog post is designed to help students develop these essential skills in a fun and engaging way.

No-Prep Activity: Wiggling Body Scan

This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. Simply follow these steps to guide your students through the Wiggling Body Scan:

1. Have students sit where you instruct them, either in their seats or on the floor.
2. Ask students to take a big breath that pushes out their belly, then let the air out. Repeat this process a few times to help them focus on their breathing.
3. Direct students to think about their toes, wiggling them and then squeezing them tight before relaxing. Repeat this process.
4. Next, have students focus on their legs, wiggling them and then making them feel heavy as if filled with sand.
5. Guide students to think about their hands and arms, making them tight like a robot and then loose and light. Encourage them to shake out their hands and arms.
6. Ask students to touch their neck and shoulders, helping them become aware of these body parts. Have them shrug their shoulders up and down to release tension.
7. Finally, instruct students to make their entire body loose and heavy, focusing on their neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and feet.

By paying attention to their bodies in this way, students can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and learn to relax when they feel stressed or overwhelmed.

Discussion Questions

After completing the Wiggling Body Scan activity, use these questions to stimulate further discussion with your students:

1. How did your body feel before and after the activity? Did you notice any changes?
2. Which body parts held the most tension? How did it feel to release that tension?
3. How can you use this activity in your daily life to help you feel more relaxed and focused?
4. Why is it important to be aware of how your body is feeling?
5. How can being more in tune with your body help you in school and other areas of your life?

Related Skills

Beyond the Wiggling Body Scan activity, there are many other skills that can help students develop self-awareness and self-regulation. Some of these include:

• Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises and guided imagery
• Journaling to reflect on thoughts and feelings
• Setting personal goals and tracking progress
• Developing coping strategies for stress and challenging situations
• Practicing empathy and active listening to better understand others

Next Steps

If you’re interested in exploring more activities and resources to help your students develop self-awareness and self-regulation skills, consider signing up for free samples of these materials and more at Everyday Speech. By incorporating these principles into your teaching, you can foster a more positive, focused, and engaged learning environment for your students.