BROWNWOOD ISD

“When kids move to learn, they do better in school” (Nguyen par 1). Most children are naturally inclined to move around and fidget during the school day, which can cause distraction in the classroom. However, Northwest Elementary administrators are adapting some purposeful rooms to allow students to move, in order to improve their learning environment. Three rooms were repurposed to allow students to experience their environment—the ‘Sensory Lab,’ the ‘Rainy Day Room,’ and the ‘Ready Body, Learning Minds® (RBLM) Motor Lab.’ The rooms are available for all Northwest students to utilize for various purposes, providing additional space for students to shake out any nerves and bounce back toward focus. Early Childhood Special Education (ESCE) teachers Susan Mora and Amy Younce spearheaded the initiative.

The Sensory Lab has been decorated with textiles, minimal lighting, and special seating. It is a space for students to go to refocus or cool down. It is also used for students who need additional time and movement between moving from one class to another, or who feel overwhelmed with sensory overload. Students three-years-old up to fifth-graders are allowed to use the space. The Sensory Room allows students to release energy in a productive manner, in an intentional space.

The ‘Rainy Day Room’ is painted in calm colors, containing stations for small groups of students to focus on peer interaction and social skills. “We realized our students needed an outlet for their extra energy—especially on days when the weather doesn’t cooperate,” Mora said. “That’s how the Rainy Day Room was created. Spending the entire day in one room can be challenging for young children, and they benefit greatly from a change of scenery.” Children need meaningful opportunities to interact and build social skills with their peers. The Rainy Day Room provides a sociable setting where teachers can guide students through interactive problem-solving. Northwest students in the Life Academics, ECSE, and Pre-kindergarten classes experience a weekly scheduled time in the Rainy Day Room. “The Rainy Day Room gives students the freedom to choose where and how they want to play,” Mora said. “It includes opportunities for sensory exploration, fine and gross motor development, pretend play, and STEM learning. Children naturally gravitate toward the areas that meet their individual needs in the moment. There are quiet spaces for coloring, puzzles, and reading, as well as a sixteen-foot mat for large motor movement. A felt board and chalkboard encourage creative expression, while other areas feature cars, blocks, a colored pegboard, a dollhouse with family figures, and a raised platform with a cozy tent filled with soft animals, blankets, and books. We also have a LEGO table and a large whiteboard for drawing and writing.” Students are allowed free play in the room, but must also share each station, which teaches them how to handle flexibility, disappointment, and how to explore available options. “It has been wonderful to see students explore new interests, grow socially, and practice sharing,” Mora said. “The most meaningful part of the Rainy Day Room is the freedom it provides. These are young children, and they truly need the opportunity to play, explore, and just be kids.”

The Ready Bodies, Learning Minds® (RBLM) Motor Lab provides children with a strong foundation of the basic knowledge and use of their bodies. For children to succeed, fundamental physical skills must become automatic through the development of specific sensory systems. When the reflexive and vestibular systems are strong, children master basic mobility and maintain the equilibrium needed to sit still in a chair. Similarly, well-developed proprioceptive and tactile systems allow for the fluid hand control necessary for writing, while healthy visual and auditory systems enable them to process information effortlessly. By targeting all of these areas, The RBLM motor lab builds a physical foundation that turns these complex tasks into second nature, ultimately clearing the way for higher-level learning and better classroom performance. The RBLM Motor Lab ultimately provides space for a student to bounce out energy, crawl to the reading center, or spin around before writing out an assignment. Life Academics teachers Brooke Garrett and Kim Parker attended a three-day training event, and received a grant valued around $7,500 for materials to prepare the lab.

Northwest’s 500 students can now explore a variety of sensory and movement options to master emotional and physical regulation. Whether a child needs the freedom of whole-body movement or the calming effect of tactile input, these environments empower them to understand their unique needs and take ownership of their daily interactions. This innovative approach ensures students have the tools they need to thrive in their learning environment for years to come.

Nguyen, Tiffany. “When kids move to learn, they do better in school.” Texas Children’s Hospital, 2025. View Source

Article by: Sara Musgrove