Keeping kids active throughout the day is essential for their physical health, emotional well-being and ability to focus. The Create Your Own Space Adventure movement activity is a fun and creative way to get children moving, thinking and engaging with their bodies in short bursts whether in the classroom or at home.
Why Short Movement Breaks Matter
Research shows that even brief periods of physical activity can:
- Improve focus and concentration
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Boost mood and energy
- Support healthy growth and development
By breaking up the day with active, imaginative play, children can reset their attention and return to tasks feeling refreshed and ready.
How to Use This Activity
- Set the Scene: Introduce the activity as a space mission where students or children become explorers on a cosmic adventure. Use the cover text as a fun way to engage them.
- Fill the Blanks: Guide the children in filling in the story’s blanks. For younger kids, this might be a group activity; for older kids, they can do it independently or in pairs.
- Read & Move: Read the story aloud, encouraging kids to act out every movement word. This gets their bodies involved and keeps energy levels high.
- Repeat & Remix: Encourage kids to try different words and create new versions of the story, making every session fresh and exciting.
Reflection & Discussion Questions
After the activity, take a moment to help kids think about their experience:
- What part of the adventure made you feel most energetic?
- How did moving your body help you pay attention during the story?
- Did you notice any feelings or thoughts while acting out the movements?
- What would you add to the story if you created your own space adventure?
- How do you think moving like this helps your brain and body?
Tips for Success
- Keep it light and fun: This activity is about exploration – not perfection. Celebrate creativity and enthusiasm over “right” answers.
- Adapt for all abilities: Modify movements to fit children’s comfort levels and physical abilities, ensuring everyone can participate.
- Incorporate routine: Use this as a regular brain break during the day – whether between lessons or before homework.
- Connect to learning: Tie movement words to classroom topics (space, science, emotions) to enrich the educational experience.
Ready to launch into wellness? Download the activity here.