Feeling like your kindergarten or childcare group is bouncing off the walls (or worse – glued to screens after mat time)? You don’t need a gym, fancy equipment, or 20 spare minutes to give children the movement they crave. These quick, zero-prep movement breaks are all based on the evidence-based Animal Fun program and use simple animal imitations that build fundamental movement skills, improve focus, and help everyone reset – fast.

Perfect for transitions, rainy days, end-of-session wiggles, or when you just need 5 calm minutes before the next activity!

Why These Work So Well

• Tick EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
• Build physical literacy (balance, coordination, strength, stability)
• Calm or energise the group depending on what you need
• Fully inclusive – easy adaptations for children with additional needs

15 Super-Quick Animal Fun Movement Breaks

1. Kangaroo Hops (Jumping) Hop like a kangaroo around the room or on the spot. Add “pouches” (hands on tummy) for extra core work.
2. Frog Leaps (Jumping with two feet) Crouch low and leap forward saying “Ribbit!” Great for outdoor lines or indoor mat spaces.
3. Elephant Stomps (Static balance + heavy work) Clasp hands, swing trunk (arms) down between legs and stomp slowly. Calming proprioceptive input.
4. Crab Walk Race (Coordination + core strength) Sit, lift hips, walk sideways. Perfect transition from mat to tables.
5. Snake Slither (Body awareness) Lie on tummies and wriggle forward using arms only – no legs!
6. Penguin Waddle (Balance) Feet together, arms at sides, waddle with tiny steps. Add a “fish” (bean bag) on head for challenge.
7. Monkey Swings (Upper body strength) Hang from a doorway bar (if safe) or just swing arms side-to-side while jumping.
8. Bear Crawl (Cross-lateral coordination) Hands and feet on floor, bottom up – crawl forward and roar!
9. Butterfly Flies (Gentle cool-down) Flap “wings” (arms) softly while tiptoeing on the spot. Great for settling.
10. Cheetah Sprint (Speed + cardio) Mark two lines 5–8 m apart. Run as fast as a cheetah on “Go!”
11. Flamingo Stand (Single-leg balance) Stand on one leg, tuck the other foot up. Swap when you wobble!
12. Seal Flops (Core + calming) Lie on tummy, hands by shoulders, lift chest and “bark” – then flop back down.
13. Rabbit Hops (Small quick jumps) Tiny bunny hops on the spot – excellent for impulse control when you say “Freeze!”
14. Giraffe Reach (Stretching + posture) Reach arms high like a giraffe’s neck to pick imaginary leaves from the tallest tree.
15. Turtle Hide (Slow movement + breathing) Curl into a ball (shell), breathe in for 4, out for 4, then slowly stretch out.

How to Use These Every Day

• Pick 2–3 and rotate weekly so children stay excited
• Use as brain breaks before writing, reading, or any sitting activity
• Add a visual timer (5-minute sand timer) so children learn to manage the time
• Link to your daily physical activity target (aim for at least 180 minutes across the day – NQS 2.1)

Want Even More Ready-to-Go Ideas?

Which of these will you try first with your group tomorrow?

Animal Fun is a movement program to help kids aged 3-6 years to improve fine motor skills, gross motor skills and social skills. It was designed by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists from Curtin University’s Health Sciences Faculty.

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