Movement for a Calm Day
Some days, our children wake up brimming with energy! Other days, they might feel sluggish or out of sorts. As homeschool moms and teachers, we know that movement is often the key to bringing balance back to the day. Charlotte Mason reminds us that “the body gets its share of gymnastics,” and these gentle exercises — what we call movement plays — provide that balance in a joyful, imaginative way.
What Are Movement Plays?
Movement plays are simple, imaginative motions that invite children to use both body and mind. They often mimic natural elements like falling leaves, drooping flowers, or the wind itself. Children follow commands, moving with intention while imagining themselves as part of creation.
Instead of drills that feel rigid, these plays carry a sense of story and rhythm. They provide structure, but they also invite wonder.
Why Movement Plays Matter
Movement plays benefit children in so many ways:
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Release extra energy in a healthy, constructive way.
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Calm and reset emotions, especially on busy or challenging days.
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Strengthen posture and coordination through gentle repetition.
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Improve attention and focus, because movement is tied to imagination.
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Encourage creativity and joy — kids want to move when it feels like play!
In our home and hybrid school, I’ve seen these small plays transform the mood of the day. A child who was restless becomes centered. A child who was downcast lifts gets a spark back in their eyes.
Autumn-Inspired Movements
This season lends itself beautifully to imaginative movement. Here are a few of our favorite autumn plays:
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Falling Leaves – arms fluttering gently down like leaves carried by the wind.
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Drooping Flowers – heads bowing forward, then lifting again with new strength.
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Picking Up Leaves – kneeling to gather leaves, then joyfully tossing them in the air.
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Running with the Autumn Wind – light steps on the toes, chest lifted, carried by the breeze.
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Breathing the Crisp Air – slow, deep breaths to steady and calm the body.
Each of these can be done in just a few minutes, indoors or outside, and they provide a reset when the day feels scattered.
A Resource for You
We love these plays so much that we’ve included them in our Autumn PE for the Younger Years and throughout all of our Seasonal PE for the Younger Years guides. They are easy to follow, require no equipment, and offer families a gentle way to weave physical education into the rhythm of the day.
Whether you use them as a morning warm-up, a midday reset, or a calming close before quiet reading time, movement plays will bless your home or classroom.
✨ Try one of these today and watch how quickly it shifts the atmosphere. Even a few minutes of intentional movement can turn a hard day into a calm one.
