Students will likely express surprise the first time you ask them to stand up and lead them in a series of simple exercises, but this is an excellent way to introduce movement into the classroom; it requires no special planning and takes very little time. One or two minutes of simple stretches, arm circles, jumping jacks or jogging in place gives students a short break and prepares their minds for learning.
The authors of "The Kinesthetic Classroom" suggest a two-minute movement activity where students imagine the class as a city during rush hour. The students move around the room, choosing their own direction and pace; however, they must not touch any other students. During the activity, students use proper manners to assist in working through traffic jams by saying things like "excuse me" and "pardon me." This activity reinforces social skills, works on large motor control and offers a simple break from learning.
Break up an ordinary spelling lesson by having the students partner up with one partner standing behind the other. The partner standing behind uses his finger to print a current spelling word on her back. She must guess the word. The partners can take turns, working through the spelling list. This same activity also works with basic math problems. It encourages teamwork and repeats content for improved retention.
Another movement activity from "The Kinesthetic Classroom" helps to improve class cohesion and acts as a quick fitness break. The class stands in a line and the person at the front holds a ball or other non-breakable object. The students pass the object back, going over one head of one student and between the legs of the next until it reaches the end of the line. The last person in line goes to the front and passes the object back. The activity continues until all students have had a turn at the front. The object is to complete the relay as quickly as possible. Timing the relay gives the class a time to beat on another day.