Simple Movement Routines Pediatric OTs Can Use Tomorrow to Improve Regulation & Participation

Pediatric OTs need fast, simple tools they can implement immediately — with minimal prep and maximum impact. And nothing works faster for regulation than structured movement + breath.

Here are routines, breathwork strategies, and group tools you can use tomorrow.

⭐ Why Movement Helps Kids Regulate

Kids can’t regulate through talking.They regulate through:

• sensory input

• movement

• body awareness

• breath

• co-regulation

Movement stabilizes the nervous system and primes the brain for attention, learning, and participation.

⭐ 5 Yoga-Based Routines You Can Use Tomorrow

1. The “Calm-Down Flow”

Best for: emotional regulationSequence:

• Child’s pose

• Seated forward fold

• Puppy pose

• Slow breath

Targets: proprioception + interoception

2. The “Wake-Up Brain Flow”

Best for: attention, focus, sluggish morningsSequence:

• Chair pose

• Mountain pose

• Airplane pose

• Star pose

Targets: vestibular + energy modulation

3. “Body Awareness Builder”

Best for: SPD, Autism, motor planningSequence:

• Cat/cow

• Table balance

• Bridge pose

• Downward dog

Targets: motor planning, grounding, joint input

4. “Balance & Coordination Mini Flow”

Best for: ADHD, school-based OTSequence:

• Tree pose

• Eagle pose

• Warrior 3

• Airplane landing pose

Targets: balance + executive functioning

5. “Transition Reset Routine”

Best for: classrooms, EI, group OTSequence:

• Mountain breath

• Balloon breath

• Shake + freeze

• Seated twist

Targets: emotional reset + nervous system regulation

⭐ 3 Breathwork Tools for Kids

1. Balloon Breath

Hands on belly, inhale fills balloon, exhale softens.Great for anxiety.

2. Bunny Nose Breathing

3 quick sniffs + long exhale.Great for alerting and attending.

3. Birthday Candle Breath

Slow, steady exhale.Great for calming and grounding.

⭐ 3 Group Regulation Activities

1. Follow-the-Leader Flow

Kids copy the OT's poses.Good for imitation and sequencing.

2. Ocean Waves Breath Circle

Group inhales together → exhales together.Great for co-regulation.

3. Build-a-Pose Challenge

Kids build a pose together step-by-step.Great for teamwork + motor planning.

⭐ Want More Tools? Take the Full 20-Hour Pediatric OT Yoga Training

You’ll learn:✔ sensory-informed movement✔ breathwork✔ trauma-informed strategies✔ motor development sequences✔ OT-ready lesson plans✔ classroom + clinic routines

Earn 20 PDUs (NBCOT).Self-paced.Lifetime access.

👉 Enroll Now — Start Your 20 CE Hours