At school, taking a 10 minute jog or run around the perimeter of the property, playground, or another safe spot is a way to both de-stress and gain a fresh perspective.

While moving along, swinging arms in opposition to legs exercises the right-left brain connection (like cross-crawling) and is done like this: when the right leg swings forward, the left arm swings forward, and when the left leg steps forward the right arm swings forward.

Biking, swimming and free-form dance are other aerobic activities.

In the classroom, teachers can put on some singing and dance music and let the students move away their wiggles.

Marching around the room keeping time with rhythm instruments is always a fun activity and helps develop coordination, too!

Students with restricted movement can probably exercise some of their body, right in place by turning their heads to right and left, leaning first to one shoulder, then the other.

Also, they can stretch one arm high and then stretch the other high, and side to side. And, if careful, turn their upper bodies in the chair.

One leg at a time can be wriggled and feet alternately stretched and flexed.

Here are some more ideas:

Relaxation Response Exercises for Stress Management in the Classroom.
Walking for Stress Reduction
Benefits of Yoga with Learning Disabilities
Kids Books and Videos

Article by Susan Kramer

Books

Ebooks