Brain Builders
Brain Builders: Movement for Regulation
Brain Builders is a classroom program that combines coordination, memory, movement, and breath-based activities to help students regulate their bodies and emotions. Through engaging exercises like hand-mirror games, trace races, standing shake-offs, and belly breaths, students learn practical strategies to reset when emotions run high or attention drifts.
Each activity is designed to provide bilateral stimulation that engages both hemispheres of the brain, supports the development of new neural pathways, and strengthens focus and working memory. At the same time, somatic practices help students discharge stress, release tension, and return to a calm, ready-to-learn state.
Brain Builders is more than a “calm down” exercise — it equips classrooms with a structured, evidence-informed toolkit for self-regulation. The result is students who are more focused, resilient, and engaged, and classrooms that run more smoothly for both teachers and learners.
Grades
Best for children in Grades K-6. Programs are adapted to be age appropriate.
Dates
Mondays through Fridays
September-June
Time
Sessions run during the school day either AM or PM and are approximately 60-75 mins in length
Location
We currently serve the following communities within: Toronto, Durham, York Regions
Some things to expect in a Brain Builder’s Session
Engaging, Movement-Based Activities
Students take part in fun, structured exercises like hand-mirror games, trace races, and shake-offs that get their bodies moving and their brains activated.
Practical Regulation Tools
Students learn simple, repeatable techniques — from somatic grounding to belly breaths — that they can use any time they feel overwhelmed or stuck in “big emotions.”
Bilateral Brain Stimulation
Activities are designed to engage both sides of the brain, building new neural pathways that support memory, attention, and emotional regulation.
A Calmer, More Focused Classroom
As students gain tools to self-regulate, teachers see fewer disruptions, smoother transitions, and classrooms that feel more connected and ready to learn.
❊ FAQs
You’ve got questions,
we’ve got answers
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Each session runs 60-75 minutes and includes a mix of movement, coordination, memory games, and breath-based activities. Students participate in whole-class, partner and individual exercises designed to be fun, engaging, and easy to follow.
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The program is designed for Grade 1–6, with activities adapted for developmental levels. Younger students enjoy simple, playful versions, while older students practice more complex coordination and memory challenges.
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No equipment is required. Brain Builders is classroom-ready — activities are designed to use open space, desks, and chairs already available in the classroom.
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Brain Builders reinforces focus, attention, and self-regulation — essential foundations for academic success. Activities also support neural pathway development, memory retention, and social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes which benefits all areas of instruction and life in general.
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Is this inclusive for students with ADHD or special needs?
Yes. Brain Builders is trauma-informed and inclusive. Because activities are modeled and repeated as a group, every child can participate at their own pace. The program is especially effective for students with ADHD and other neurodivergences who benefit from structured movement and sensory regulation. -
Workshops can be scheduled by emailing creatingcalmclassrooms@gmail.com with your school, preferred dates, and number of classes. Programs can be delivered as single workshops, multi-week series, or professional development for staff.
❊Additional Workshops
More to explore
Explore Pinch Pot Pet Monsters — a hands-on way to build focus and regulation
Clay Based Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation + STEAM