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10 Sensory Breaks to Increase Focus and Concentration

A sensory break allows for time to decompress, reset, and receive the input necessary to feel more regulated. Also known as a brain break or movement break, when a child gets a quick sensory break, they are able to move, increase blood flow, and receive either the calming or active input they need to aid with focus and concentration. Kids need to move their bodies in order to stay alert and focused. They can only attend for so long by sitting still and being quiet. It is important to allow for movement breaks both at home and in the classroom to increase focus and concentration.

Here are 10 simple classroom appropriate activities to use as movement breaks with children:

  1. Turn on some music and have a quick dance break
  2. Do jumping jacks
  3. Jog in place
  4. Try some yoga poses
  5. Wiggle the sillies out
  6. Bounce on an exercise ball
  7. Show a quick energizing brain break video
  8. Play Simon Says
  9. Deep Breathing
  10. Extra Recess!

A classroom can be somewhat limiting as to the scope of sensory and movement breaks. When our kids need movement breaks at home, there are some simple movement breaks we can provide with a bit more room. Some ideas include bouncing on a trampoline, using a hula hoop, swinging, water play, and a body sock.

It is important to determine whether the sensory break activities are providing the appropriate input. For instance, if a child is already feeling antsy, then he/she would probably benefit from a yoga pose or stretching rather than wiggling or dancing. Once you discern the difference between when your child needs an active break or a calm break, you can plan an appropriate sensory break.

Sensory breaks allow children to receive the necessary combination of sensory input to organize the nervous system. Using brain breaks and movement breaks regularly to provide a child the appropriate sensory input can increase focus, concentration and productivity.

-Jessica Glenbocki, Occupational Therapist

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I cannot say enough good things about LLA Therapy. My daughter was a client of Teal Simmons’ for approximately 2 years and was just released from speech therapy! She was diagnosed with Apraxia in 2015 and worked with Teal twice a week. Through Teal’s application of PROMPT therapy, my daughter had age-appropriate speech after one year. All of the staff we interacted with at LLA were absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they do and making sure your child achieves their goals.

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They have helped in numerous ways. Speech, OT and behavioral. I've had numerous compliments on my son's progress thanks in very large part to LLA. I would recommend LLA before I recommend our local children's hospitals, though they are good, they don't have the staff that LLA does.

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We had a great experience with Matt Hagge at LLA! Our Middle School age son was becoming very conscious of his voice, which is nasal due to a cleft palate. Matt helped him to better form his sounds and project his voice in a way that makes the unavoidable nasality less noticeable.Our son is more confident and outgoing & even took on a speaking role in the church play. Matt has the perfect personality to relate with our son, and we would recommend him to anyone needing speech therapy services!

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