Preschoolers with Special Needs Flourish in Movement Classes

Children with special needs are often unable to successfully participate in group class activities. This prevents them from creating social connections to their peers and discovering the joys of working and playing as a group. They struggle with a variety of problems such as focus issues, picking up social cues, body control and feeling at ease in their surroundings. These children who often deal with an aide, and find the freedom, transitions, and sounds of the preschool classroom overwhelming and the rules, confusing, often do surprisingly well in creative movement classes. These classes can provide just the structure they need without being constraining. When the activities are clear, fun and simply communicated, special needs kids can easily excel! This gives them a feeling of accomplishment and peer support, which, in turn, gives them confidence, and a sense of connection that is not prevalent in the other parts of the day.

 Specialists who accompany these children notice that- 

• The continuous flow of a movement based lesson prevent children from getting distracted. The movement activities connect together seamlessly leaving no room for minds to wander. If curriculum is presented in short, very simple steps it is achievable for a special needs child. 
• Another added advantage, as one specialist puts it: "Children who have trouble focusing are really helped by observing their classmates in a creative movement class."  Everyone has the same directions and set of expectations. In addition, there is an acceptance of individual choices and how these choices enrich the group.
• Focusing on simple props such as scarves or beanbags provide an anchor for special needs children. Colored scarves help special needs children focus on the color and movement. Their attention stays on the colors and they feel connected to the activity in a positive way. Music also provides a connecting thread that children instantly respond to as individuals and as a group.

Children with Special Needs can become more self-regulating and participate successfully with their peers if these classes are developed with: 

• a clear but flexible structure
• simple props 
• a single step or simple directions

Children with hyperactivity or A.D.D. can be easily redirected into the activity at hand without disruption. This does wonders for their self-esteem.


Incorporating a movement program into the preschool curriculum is a winning solution for helping all children gain respect for each other, learn about themselves and the world around them and have fun!