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This week, we’re diving into one of our favorite topics —Motor Labs! These movement-based, circuit-style spaces are game-changers for students of all ages, especially those with ADHD, autism, sensory processing challenges, or retained primitive reflexes.
We’ll break down:
What a Motor Lab is and who benefits most
The science-backed benefits like improved attention, self-regulation, and foundational sensory-motor skills
Calm down zones that promote emotional regulation
How to set up your Motor Lab in any school space — from hallways to empty classrooms
Customizing for student needs including sensory seekers vs. sensory avoiders
Simple ways to track progress and collaborate with staff
Common challenges and practical solutions to overcome them
Ideas for keeping movement going outside the lab with brain breaks, transitions, and in-class sensory tools
We’ll also shareour favorite resources, from budget-friendly equipment to apps that support motor planning.
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
Motor Labs - Sensational Brain CEU Course
A motor lab is a designated space—often in a classroom, hallway, or gym—set up as a movement circuit or obstacle course designed to support sensory regulation, motor development, and classroom readiness. With stations focused on gross motor, fine motor, visual motor, and sensory integration, motor labs are a powerful way to support children’s physical and emotional well-being.
They also provide a structured form of a "brain break", helping students reset, refocus, and return to class ready to learn.
Motor labs benefit all students—not just those with sensory processing challenges or developmental delays. Here’s why:
Core strength.
Coordination.
Balance.
Ocular motor control.
Attention and regulation.
Activities like crawling, rocking, and animal walks support integration of retained primitive reflexes, which are often linked to difficulties with focus, posture, and sensory regulation.
Movement is acritical sensory input that supports the nervous system. When integrated into the school day, it can help:
Prevent sensory overload.
Increase focus and attention.
Reduce meltdowns and frustration.
You don’t need a fancy gym or expensive equipment. All you need is a small space, a few tools, and a clear plan.
Look for:
An empty classroom.
A section of the gym.
A low-traffic hallway.
OT Tip: Keep the layout and instructions consistent for at least a few weeks to help students build confidence and independence.
Set up5–8 stations with printed visuals and instructions. Use laminated cards or posters with pictures to help students know what to do at each stop.
Divide students into small groups.
Spend 30–60 seconds per station.
Rotate to the next station with a visual or timer cue.
Here are easy-to-implement ideas that target different areas of development:
Crawl through a tunnel.
Animal walks (bear, crab, lizard crawl).
Jump between floor spots.
Balance on stepping stones or beams.
Use tweezers or tongs to sort small objects.
Pull beads from theraputty.
Lacing cards or pegboards while lying on the tummy.
Infinity loop tracing on the wall.
Ball toss at a target.
Follow a visual path with a laser pointer.
Push a crash pad across the floor.
Medicine ball slams.
Roll a heavy ball along a taped path on the wall.
Bonus idea: Include primitive reflex activities like snow angels, sit walks, or cat-cow poses to support integration and postural stability.
You may encounter questions from administrators about how motor labs support academics. Here's how to advocate effectively:
Movement increasesfocus and memory.
Sensory input supportsemotional regulation.
Motor development is thefoundation for handwriting, reading, and classroom behavior.
Show how each station targets academic readiness skills.
Invite staff to participate in a mini motor lab.
Provide handouts explaining the benefits.
In the All Things Sensory podcast, Harkla co-host Rachel shared how she created motor labs during her school-based fieldwork using nothing more thanhula hoops, cones, mats, and crash pads. Her creative setup provided movement breaks, supported skill development, and helped her target specific goals for individual students—while still being fun and engaging for the whole class.
Motor labs aren’t just for special education—they’re auniversal design solution that supports all learners. With a little creativity, you can transform a small space into a powerful tool that:
Supports sensory needs.
Builds motor skills.
Prepares children for learning.
And perhaps most importantly, it helps every child feel confident, capable, and ready to thrive.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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