It’s May, which means the kids are wiggly, the teachers are running on caffeine and countdowns, and “spring fever” has officially hit the classroom. If your students are more interested in watching clouds out the window than finishing their writing assignment, you’re not alone! When classroom energy becomes scattered or sluggish, mindful movements can be the key to bringing students back into focus and ready to learn.

Mindful movements combine physical activity with focused breathing and awareness, giving students a chance to reset both their bodies and minds. Backed by research from the Conscious Discipline framework, these quick and simple activities help move students from a reactive state to a ready to learn state by engaging their executive brain functions. And the best part? They can be done in just a few minutes with no equipment or prep.

Why is it Important?

Mindful movements are not just a trendy new add-on, they are powerful, research supported tools for classroom management, emotional regulation, and cognitive engagement. According to Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline, students learn best when they feel safe, connected, and calm. These practices are designed to create just that environment!

By incorporating small moments of movement and mindfulness, teachers help students:

• • Develop emotional awareness
  • Build self-regulation skills
  • Increase focus and cognitive flexibility
  • Transition between activities more smoothly

In today’s classrooms, especially post-pandemic, these moments of intentional pause and reset can make a big difference for both student well-being and academic success.

Try these 5 Easy Movements Using Conscious Discipline® Calming Techniques:

1. Balloon Breath (Balloon Technique)

Place your hands on top of your head and lace your fingers together. Breathe in through your nose as you lift your arms, imagining you’re inflating a big balloon. Then slowly exhale through pursed lips, lowering your arms while making a fun “pbpbpbpbpb” sound, like the balloon is letting out all its air.

2. Drain (Hand Tension Release)

Stretch your arms out in front of you like they’re faucets. Squeeze your arms, shoulders, and face muscles tight. Then slowly exhale with a “ssshhh” sound as you relax your whole body, imagining all the stress draining away.

3. Pretzel (Crossed Body Movement)

Stand up and cross your ankles. Next, cross your right wrist over your left wrist. Turn your hands so your thumbs point toward the floor, then press your palms together and interlace your fingers. Bend your elbows and gently lift your hands up toward your chest, resting them in the center. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth, then relax your body and breathe deeply.

4. S.T.A.R. Breathing (Smile, Take a Deep Breath, And Relax)

Teach students the STAR acronym! In moments of frustration or restlessness:

• • S: Smile
  • T: Take a deep breath
  • A: And
  • R: Relax

Smile and relax. Encourage students to practice belly breathing. Their stomach should move out as they breathe in, and gently pull in as they breathe out. Remind them to exhale even more slowly than they inhale to help their bodies feel calm and steady.

5. The Five Senses Walk

Bonus movement! Take a short, silent walk and have students notice:

• • 1 thing they can see
  • 1 thing they can hear
  • 1 thing they can touch
  • 1 thing they can smell
  • 1 thing they can taste (or imagine tasting)

Perfect for grounding energy during spring-fever-fueled transitions.

Remember, teachers… if you can survive May, you can survive anything! You’re basically professional stunt doubles at this point!

The Connection of Mind and Body

One of the best examples of movement and mindfulness in action is Mobile Ed’s SK8 4 Life program! This high-energy assembly isn’t just about cool skateboarding tricks. It’s packed with powerful lessons on building and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Just like mindful movement moments in the classroom, SK8 4 Life shows students how staying calm, focused, and persistent can help them overcome obstacles, whether it’s sticking a landing on a skateboard or tackling a tough day at school.

For more information on Mobile Ed’s SK8 4 Life program or any of our exciting educational assemblies, click below to contact us today!