Introduction
As educators, we understand the importance of helping our young students develop self-regulation and focus. One way to achieve this is through the practice of calming activities, such as stretching and breathing exercises. In this blog post, we will explore a simple, no-prep activity that encourages PreK students to engage in a standing stretch routine, promoting a sense of calm and readiness for learning.
No-Prep Activity: Feel Good Standing Stretch
This activity requires no preparation or materials, making it easy for educators to implement in their classrooms. Here is a step-by-step guide for the Feel Good Standing Stretch:
- Have students stand up and find their own space, ensuring they are not too close to their neighbors.
- Guide them through three deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly.
- Encourage students to move their heads side to side, stretching their necks, and then in circles, alternating directions.
- Ask students to bring one arm across their body, holding it in place with the other arm, and count down from five. Repeat with the opposite arm.
- Have students raise one arm and lean to the side, holding the stretch for a count of five. Repeat with the other arm.
- Direct students to reach up towards the sky, then carefully bend forward to touch their toes. Slowly return to standing.
- Finish the activity with a full-body shake, signaling that their bodies and minds are ready for learning.
Discussion Questions
After completing the Feel Good Standing Stretch, engage your students in a discussion to further explore the benefits of this activity. Here are some suggested questions:
- How did taking deep breaths make you feel? Why do you think it’s important to breathe deeply?
- What parts of your body felt stretched during the activity? How did stretching those areas make you feel?
- Can you think of other times during the day when you might benefit from taking a stretching break?
- How does stretching and breathing help you feel more focused and ready to learn?
- What other activities can we do to help calm our minds and bodies?
Related Skills
Beyond stretching and breathing exercises, there are several other skills that can help students develop a sense of calm and focus:
- Mindfulness practices such as meditation and guided imagery
- Yoga poses and movements
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Art therapy and creative expression
- Music and movement activities
Next Steps
Now that you have learned about the Feel Good Standing Stretch and its benefits for PreK students, we encourage you to explore additional resources to support social-emotional learning in your classroom. To access free sample materials, including activities, videos, and lesson plans, visit Everyday Speech and sign up for a free trial. These resources will help you create a nurturing and supportive learning environment for your young students, fostering their growth and development.
