About This Lesson
As routines settle and the season begins to change, October is an ideal time to stay active and connected through joyful movement. Incorporating Movement for Happinesshelps students, families, and communities manage stress, improve focus, and support overall wellbeing using movement as a tool for emotional regulation and happiness.
In this activity, students, families, or groups create a “Movement Snack Jar” filled with quick, energizing movement ideas. Each slip encourages short bursts of joyful activity like jumping jacks, yoga poses, or a dance break to boost energy, focus, and happiness throughout the day.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- Printable “movement snack” slips
- Blank templates for custom movement ideas
- Instructions for creating and using the jar
- Access to related lesson plans and unit study
Why you’ll love this activity:
- Makes movement fun and accessible for everyone
- Great for classroom transitions, breaks, or family time
- Helps students manage energy and emotions in positive ways
Ways to Use:
- Use as daily brain breaks in the classroom
- Include in family wellness routines at home
- Incorporate into SEL or mindfulness time
What is Movement for Happiness?
Movement for Happiness is a wellbeing practice that emphasizes the importance of joyful movement for mental and physical health. Engaging in joyful movement can immediately lift your mood, with no minimum amount of movement required to experience the positive effects. Over time, regular movement can lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction.
For autistic students, who are often less physically active, integrating daily movement breaks and reflections can be a powerful way to boost physical wellbeing and happiness. This wellbeing skill offers tools and strategies to help educators, students, and staff start incorporating movement into their lives and teaching others to do the same, promoting happiness both inside and outside the classroom.
Science of Movement for Happiness
Movement has been known to trigger the release of endorphins, the brain's "feel-good" hormones. These hormones promote mental health and mood enhancement, famously referred to as the "runner's high." Recent research has revealed that muscles also play a vital role in mood regulation. The benefits of regular movement include:
- Higher levels of happiness
- Enhanced mood and immune function
- Improved sleep quality and duration
- Better cognitive and behavioral functioning
- Increased social inclusion and overall wellbeing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Looking for more Movement for Happiness Resources?
Explore the free Movement for Happiness Unit Study, which includes teaching slides, additional worksheets and activities, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism.
Proof Positive’s resources are and will always be free. Be well!
Bonus access to full lesson plans and unit studies on the skills of happiness at our Skill Center
