Quick and Easy Classroom-Friendly Primitive Reflex Integration Activities

If you’ve read this blog post already, you are probably looking for these classroom-friendly reflex integration activities! These simple activities can be integrated into daily routines, transition times, or as part of brain breaks to help students integrate retained primitive reflexes while improving focus, coordination, and learning readiness.

1. Cross-Crawl Marching (ATNR & STNR)

1. Stand tall and march in place, touching the right elbow to the left knee and then left elbow to the right knee.
2. Slow, controlled movements are best!
3. Aim for 1 minute.
4. Improves: Reading, writing, focus, crossing midline, balance and coordination.

2. Rocking on Hands and Knees (STNR & TLR)

1. Get on hands and knees (crawling position).
2. Rock back and forth, keeping the head up and back straight.
3. Aim for 30-60 seconds.
4. Improves: Posture, focus, handwriting, and visual tracking.

3. Pencil Push-Ups (Visual Tracking & ATNR)

1. Hold a pencil at arm’s length and focus on the tip.
2. Slowly bring it toward the nose while keeping it in focus.
3. Hold for a second, then move it back out.
4. Repeat 10 times.
5. Improves: Reading fluency, eye tracking, convergence / divergence and visual attention.

4. Starfish Exercise (Moro Reflex)

1. Start curled up in a ball on the floor.
2. Stretch out arms and legs wide like a starfish while taking a deep breath.
3. Slowly curl back in.
4. Repeat 5-10 times.
5. Improves: Emotional regulation, anxiety, and attention.

5. Superman Hold (TLR & Core Strength)

1. Lie on your stomach, arms extended forward like Superman.
2. Lift arms and legs slightly off the ground, holding for 5-10 seconds.
3. Rest and repeat 5 times.
4. Improves: Posture, focus, and motor coordination.

6. Lazy 8 Tracing (Infinity Loop) (Vestibular & ATNR)

1. Draw a large sideways 8 (∞) on the board or paper.
2. Use one finger or a marker to trace it continuously for 30 seconds with each hand.
3. Improves: Reading, writing, and eye coordination.

7. Chair Scoots (Core & STNR)

1. Sit at the edge of a chair and lift both feet slightly off the floor.
2. Using only your hands, push and pull yourself forward and backward.
3. Aim for 30-45 seconds.
4. Improves: Core strength, posture, and sitting endurance.

8. Bear Walks (STNR, TLR & Proprioceptive Input)

1. Walk on hands and feet with straight legs like a bear.
2. Move slowly and controlled across the room.
3. Aim for 30 seconds.
4. Improves: Upper body strength, coordination, and sensory processing.

9. Balloon Taps (Hand-Eye Coordination & Reflex Inhibition)

1. Tap a balloon up in the air using only hands, elbows, or head.
2. Keep it from touching the ground.
3. Try different body parts to increase difficulty.
4. Improves: Visual attention, reaction time, and bilateral coordination.

10. Wall Push-Offs (Moro Reflex & Strength)

1. Stand facing a wall with hands flat against it.
2. Push away slowly and controlled, then return to the wall.
3. Aim for 10 reps.
4. Improves: Impulse control, core and upper body strength.

How to Implement These in the Classroom:

1. Morning Movement – Start the day with a 2-minute movement break.
2. Brain Breaks – Use after long periods of sitting or focusing, take a break and pick an activity to complete.
3. Transition Activities – Before or after lessons to help reset focus or after coming in from recess.
4. Group or Partner Exercises – Engage students in pairs or small groups for fun and interaction. Don’t be afraid to make it a friendly competition!

For more primitive reflex integration visual tools and activities, join BrainWorks Online!