7 Somatic Movement Exercises for Kids (2024)

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Introducing playtime with a purpose! The world of somatic movement exercises beckons, providing an opportunity to improve self-awareness, focus, and overall well-being in children. Parents of both neurodivergent kids and their peers can benefit from these simple yet effective activities. From swinging arms to walking meditation, we’ve got you covered with seven fantastic examples to try out at home.

Read More: What is Somatic Movement?

1. Swinging Arms: A Gentle Introduction to Somatic Movement

What you need:

• A comfortable space to move

How to do it:

First up, swinging arms are an easy and gentle introduction to somatic movement exercises. Here’s the process:

• Stand up straight with feet shoulder-width apart
• Let arms hang relaxed by your sides
• Gently swing arms back and forth in a natural rhythm
• Observe the way your child’s arms move and how their body feels

This calming activity promotes relaxation and body awareness, making it perfect for young children and beginners.

2. Scribble Drawings: Connecting Mind and Body Through Art

What you need:

• A large piece of paper
• Non-toxic markers or crayons

How to do it:

Secondly, scribble drawings integrate artistic expression with movement:

• Set up the paper on the floor, inviting your child to hold a marker or crayon in each hand
• Encourage them to scribble on the paper while moving around it freely
• Allow their creativity to flow and watch their movement as they engage with the art

Scribble drawings unlock the natural energy of kids while offering a non-judgmental, fun way to explore self-expression.

Best Drawing App for Kids:

Goally’s Kid’s Tablet has a fun drawing app called Graffiti Street to help kids build finger dexterity in a fun way. Here’s a list of the 15 other top skill-building apps we recommend:

Learn More 👉

3. Body Scan: Redirecting Attention Inward

What you need:

• A comfortable spot to lie down

How to do it:

To continue, body scans are somatic movement exercises that direct attention inward:

• Have your child lie down, close their eyes, and take slow, deep breaths
• Guide them through a gentle scan of their body, starting with their head and ending at their toes
• Encourage them to pay attention to sensations or tension present in each part of the body

Regular practice not only builds self-awareness but also allows children to connect their physical and emotional states.

4. Expanding and Contracting: Playing with Body Positions

What you need:

• A comfortable, open space

How to do it:

Expanding and contracting exercises play with body positions:

• Ask your child to stretch all parts of their body outward (expanding) and then curl up into a small ball (contracting)
• Discuss how each position makes them feel and identify any emotions that may arise

These movements help kids develop emotional intelligence and improve body awareness in a playful manner.

5. Bean Bag Toss: Integrating Movement and Focus

What you need:

• A simple target, such as a bucket or hoops
• Soft bean bags or small stuffed toys

How to do it:

Moreover, bean bag toss games merge physical activity with concentration:

• Place your target a short distance away
• Have your child try to toss the object at the target while maintaining a relaxed posture
• Challenge them to concentrate on their movement and aim, making it an engaging and fun activity

This practice develops focus, body awareness, and coordination.

6. Walking Meditation: Mindful Movement

What you need:

• A quiet, safe space, either indoors or outdoors

How to do it:

Walking meditation involves mindfulness in motion:

• Guide your child to walk slowly, consciously observing their steps and the surroundings
• Encourage them to pay attention to the feeling of their feet touching the ground and the movement of their body

This tranquil activity promotes relaxation, sensory integration, and self-awareness.

Read More: Guided Meditation For Anxiety

7. Mirror Dance: Building Empathy and Connection

What you need:

• A comfortable space to move and dance

How to do it:

Finally, the mirror dance fosters empathy and connection:

• Stand facing your child with ample space between you
• Take turns leading and following, with the leader moving smoothly and the follower mimicking their movements
• Emphasize non-verbal communication, coordination, and empathy in a delightful setting

Goally | Fun Apps that Build Motor Skills

Looking for FUN ways to improve your child’s finger dexterity skills while also keeping screen time manageable?

Our Graffiti Street app is all about building motor skills in a fun, interactive way. Kids draw dozens of digital art designs while simultaneously developing the essential skills needed to use AAC and other communication tools. It’s a blast for them and a win for you!

Watch your little artist blossom!

Check out our distraction-free device (with ONLY Goally apps on it) for $149. So you know exactly what your child is up to 😉

Explore Goally Apps 👉

In conclusion, these seven somatic movement exercises offer versatile, effective, and enjoyable ways for parents to support their neurodivergent kids and peers alike. Try incorporating a few—or all—of these exercises into your daily routine and witness the benefits for yourself!

FAQs About Somatic Movement Exercises

What are somatic movement exercises?Somatic movement exercises are body-focused activities that improve awareness of the body's internal sensations, enhancing physical control, flexibility, and emotional well-being.

How can somatic movement exercises help my child?Somatic exercises can boost your child's focus, reduce stress, enhance body awareness, and improve emotional regulation.

Can somatic exercises be integrated into a child's daily routine?Absolutely. Somatic exercises can seamlessly incorporate morning stretching, playtime, or calming routines before bedtime.

Are somatic movement exercises safe for all children?Somatic exercises are typically safe for all children. However, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional if your child has specific physical conditions.

What is a simple bodily movement exercise?'The Butterfly Hug' is a great starter. Your child crosses their arms, laying each hand on the opposite shoulder, then alternately taps each shoulder. It aids in calming and grounding.

This post was originally published on 05/27/2023. It was updated on 07/14/2023.