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Mind in Motion

Author’s Physical Education and Movement Development Programme

Mind in Motion is a unique physical education programme that combines movement, body awareness, and children’s emotional and social development.

The programme is implemented as part of mandatory school lessons and daily activities, following the curriculum while changing the perspective on physical education at school.

We do not eliminate PE – we change the perspective. Instead of grading, comparing, and focusing on results, we create conditions where every child can develop at their own pace, building a healthy relationship with movement and their body.

Programme Philosophy

In Mind in Motion we assume that:

  • every child has an individual movement potential, and the school’s role is to create conditions for its safe and harmonious development,
  • movement supports not only physical, but also emotional and social development,
  • a child’s self-esteem grows through experiencing progress and agency, not competition,
  • thinking that can be seen and heard.

The programme particularly supports children during intensive developmental periods, helping them to:

  • better understand their body,
  • notice signals of fatigue, tension, and emotions,
  • gradually build confidence in movement and teamwork.

Programme Structure

Awareness – Agility – Adaptation

Mind in Motion is based on three complementary pillars present throughout the school year – not only during physical education lessons.

01

Short movement breaks during the day (Grades 1–3)

In younger grades, movement naturally integrates into lessons:

  • 3-, 6-, and 9-minute activity breaks within lessons,
  • stretching and concentration-boosting exercises,
  • movement games helping children regain focus after desk work.

This helps children to:

  • avoid staying in one position too long,
  • understand movement as a natural part of the day,
  • quickly regain attention and energy.

02

Body awareness and health prevention

Role of the physiotherapist

Children receive preventive physiotherapy care as part of the programme, in cooperation with Active Place.

Screening assessments – twice a year

  • short evaluation of posture and movement function,
  • tests assessing range of motion, stability, and coordination,
  • information on individual movement needs.

Purpose of assessments:

  • early detection of potential irregularities,
  • prevention of overloads,
  • support healthy development before pain occurs.

03

Exercises supporting proper development

Based on physiotherapist observations, teachers:

  • include simple strengthening and stabilizing exercises in lessons,
  • focus on correct movement habits (posture, foot placement, running style),
  • ensure safe execution of exercises.

Children learn to:

  • stand, sit, and move healthily,
  • recognize fatigue signals,
  • understand that caring for their body is part of daily life.

Team Games and Movement Challenges

Team tasks

  • collaboration is key,
  • each child has a role,
  • solutions require communication and planning.

Examples of activities

  • joint obstacle courses,
  • tasks requiring synchronized movement,
  • simple movement projects planned by children.

What children learn

  • managing emotions,
  • taking responsibility for the group,
  • flexibility in action.

Emotional Support and Focus

Short exercises for concentration and calming are included in the programme:

  • breathing and mindfulness exercises,
  • simple relaxation techniques after activity,
  • moments of pause and calm after intensive movement.

Objectives of these exercises:

  • learning to regulate arousal,
  • supporting concentration,
  • building emotional awareness.

Benefits for your child

Mind in Motion is not a programme that “fixes” children or promises quick results. Its goal is to create conditions where the child:

  • feels safe in movement and understands their body,
  • is not afraid to try because they are not compared to others,
  • learns to listen to signals from the body: fatigue, tension, readiness for effort,
  • has space to develop without pressure and grading of every movement.

Movement stops being a “task to complete” and becomes a natural part of the school day – something to do calmly, with curiosity, and at one’s own pace.

Mind in Motion is the first step towards building a healthy relationship with movement and a culture of responsibility – instead of commands and prohibitions.

The programme was created in cooperation with the Medicover Foundation and Active Place.