Children Experience Weekly Body and Movement Sessions

Movement plays a vital role in how children explore the world, make sense of their experiences, and express who they are. For young people with special educational needs, activities that build body awareness can open powerful pathways for communication, emotional regulation, and learning.

After attending a day course at The Centre for Child Mental Health, our psychology team has launched weekly Body and Movement sessions, which are all about exploring movement.

Each session starts with a fun ‘check in’. Every young person is invited to share a movement, sound, or dance move of their own – and the rest of the group copies it. This playful moment sets the tone, helping everyone feel noticed, valued, and included from the very beginning.

We then turn our attention inward, exploring how our bodies feel. Using a visual aid that highlights physical sensations such as temperature, pain, and energy levels alongside emotional cues, young people begin to recognise and communicate their internal signals. Developing this awareness is a crucial step towards emotional regulation and greater independence.

Always a big hit in these sessions are the breathing exercises. Using feathers and bubbles makes breathwork fun for our young people, who enjoy seeing the effect of their breath and practising slow and steady exhalations.

Sessions also include mindfulness, tactile activities, and movement-based storytelling – such as ‘walking through the jungle’. These imaginative experiences combine gentle massage with creativity, while also introducing important concepts like consent.

Why not try some of these techniques with a young person or adult you support? If you’d like to learn more, get in touch with our Educational Psychology team on 01522 868279.