For many years, “good sitting”, still, quiet, hands in lap, has been seen as the gold standard for learning. But for many children, especially neurodivergent children, being asked to sit still isn’t just uncomfortable; it can make it harder to focus, engage, and take in new information.
The truth is, movement is not a distraction from learning; it’s part of learning. And when speech pathologists (SPs) and occupational therapists (OTs) work together, they can create movement-friendly environments that support both regulation and communication.
Why Stillness Isn’t Always the Goal
Children’s brains and bodies are designed to move. Movement helps:
- Increase alertness and attention
- Regulate emotions
- Process sensory information
- Support memory and problem-solving
For some kids, sitting still for long periods actually makes it harder to concentrate. Instead of saving movement for “break times,” integrating it into learning helps keep children engaged and ready to interact.
How Speech and OT Support Movement in Learning
1. Regulation Before Learning
OTs help children find the sensory input their bodies need to feel calm and alert, whether that’s rocking, bouncing, stretching, or fidgeting.
Once regulated, SPs can build on that state with communication-focused activities, making learning more accessible and successful.
2. Movement as a Teaching Tool
Joint sessions often weave movement into language and literacy tasks. For example:
- Practising vocabulary while hopping to each picture card
- Acting out verbs to build comprehension
- Using obstacle courses that include following directions or sequencing steps
3. Respecting Individual Sensory Needs
Some children learn best while lying on the floor, standing at a desk, or swinging gently. When SPs and OTs collaborate, therapy can be adapted to suit each child’s sensory profile, instead of expecting them to adapt to the environment.
Practical Ways to Integrate Movement at School and in Therapy
- Flexible seating: wobble stools, therapy balls, standing desks
- Fidget tools: squishy toys, putty, textured objects
- Movement breaks: quick stretches, wall push-ups, short walks
- Active learning: clapping syllables, acting out stories, moving between stations
- Sensory corners: safe spaces for jumping, spinning, or deep pressure activities
Why This Matters for Neurodivergent Kids
Neurodivergent children often need different sensory inputs to feel comfortable and focused. Instead of viewing movement as something to stop, we can see it as a form of self-regulation and communication.
By reframing “good sitting” to mean “ready to learn,” we can make classrooms, therapy rooms, and homes more inclusive, and more effective for all learners.
At NSPOT we love empowering parents and caregivers with all of the knowledge that they need in order to make best progress towards their child’s goals. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please ask your therapist or contact us!
