--- title: Physical Therapy Interventions for Student Movement Success description: Discover school-based PT activities that improve posture, coordination, and balance—helping students safely navigate and engage in learning. image: https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-26%20164605.jpg --- [![SSG Group Brand](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TheSteppingStonesGroup_February2021/images/SSG_logo.png?width=1640&height=421&name=SSG_logo.png "SSG Group Brand")](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Home](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Careers](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/careers/) - [Search Open Jobs](https://jobs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Quick Apply](https://steppingstones.careercenter.smartsearch.plus/registration/) - [Transforming Support](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/professional-development/) - [Travel & Transform](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/travel/) - [Refer a friend](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/careers/referral-program/) - [Parents](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/parents/) - [Schools](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/schools/) - [Telepractice](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/telepractice/) - [Referrers](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/referrers/) - [About SSG](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/about/) - [Our Services](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/services/) - [Our Story](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/our-story/) - [Meet Our Team](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/our-story/#leadership_team) - [Contact](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/contact/) ![](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-26%20164605.jpg) # Physical Therapy Interventions for Student Movement Success Thu, Jun 26, 2025 Posture, balance, and coordination are three pillars of school-based physical therapy.    Ensuring these systems are functional allows our students to engage with their school environment. I always love seeing how other therapists address these key elements, so I figured it was my turn to share!   **Posture** Posture is analyzed statically and dynamically in a school setting. Statically, we may examine seating ergonomics in the classroom. Dynamically, we analyze body alignment during mobility.   Low muscle tone and prolonged positioning (think Down Syndrome, Autism, iPad-lovers) contribute to head-down or head-forward posture. This postural misalignment is problematic for environmental obstacle scanning and social engagement. The former leads to falls and bumping into objects.   *Intervention*: Student picks up a block from the floor and places it on a higher surface. Ideally, they should place the objects around eye level or higher to facilitate forward and upward gaze. ![Screenshot 2025-06-26 163845](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-26%20163845.jpg?width=1221&height=454&name=Screenshot%202025-06-26%20163845.jpg)   *Clinical Reasoning*: Changing levels to a higher surface require active neck extension. Placing the object at eye level or higher eliminates head-down posture. I like to use building blocks for this activity because the target gets gradually higher.   *Progression*: Standing on unstable surface, crossing midline   *Regression*: Less distance between levels   **Coordination** Coordination can encompass a broad number of skills. People most commonly think of ball games like throw, catch, and kicking. For school-based PT services, it is also important to consider reciprocal movements (i.e. arm swing during running), motor dual-tasking (i.e. carry object while walking), upper/lower extremity connection, and movement corrections. I’ve included an activity that addresses coordination between the upper and lower extremities. *Intervention:* Student starts in hook-lying or supine position. The ball is either placed or rolled between their feet. Using their lower extremities, they raise the ball and grab it with their hands. Then release the ball with their legs and move the ball overhead. ![Screenshot 2025-06-26 163908](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-26%20163908.jpg?width=1393&height=457&name=Screenshot%202025-06-26%20163908.jpg) *Clinical reasoning*: Requires synchronized movement between upper and lower extremities to complete task. Movement requires significant core engagement as well – which facilitates proximal control necessary for distal control.   *Progression*: Use small ball, incorporate crossing planes of motion   *Regression:* Hold ball statically between knees and hands in reverse quadruped position.   **Balance** The prevalence of balance disorders in children and adolescents is reported up to 15%. While some falls are inevitable during development, we strive for our students to play safely. Some things to consider are vestibular function, single limb stability, righting reactions, protective reactions, and proprioception. *Intervention*: Student scoops up bean bags onto the top of their foot. Then they need to drop the bean bag off into designated area or bucket. ![Screenshot 2025-06-26 163927](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-26%20163927.jpg?width=1336&height=406&name=Screenshot%202025-06-26%20163927.jpg) *Clinical reasoning*: Single limb stability needed for stair negotiation and stance phase of gait. This activity also promotes increased ankle dorsiflexion needed for foot clearance during swing phase.   *Progression*: Student stands on unstable surface, drop-off farther away requires leg reach beyond limb length   *Regression*: Support surface or handheld assistance for balance   *Author: Cara Jenson, PT, DPT* Tags: [Physical Therapy](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/physical-therapy), [school-based physical therapy](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/school-based-physical-therapy), [posture and balance in kids](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/posture-and-balance-in-kids), [PT interventions for schools](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/pt-interventions-for-schools), [pediatric core strengthening](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/pediatric-core-strengthening), [pediatric physical therapy](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/pediatric-physical-therapy), [coordination activities for students](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/coordination-activities-for-students), [PT strategies for special education](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/pt-strategies-for-special-education), [posture correction activities](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/posture-correction-activities) [Back to Blog](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com) Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The content is based on the author's personal experiences, research, and opinions. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified professional or expert before making any decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this blog. ## Related Articles ##### [Hip Health & Cerebral Palsy: What to Know](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hip-health-cerebral-palsy-what-to-know) Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and CP like conditions are at high risk for hip dislocation. [Read More](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hip-health-cerebral-palsy-what-to-know) ##### [Virtual Therapy – How Parents Can Help Their Preschoolers](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/virtual-therapy-how-parents-can-help-their-preschoolers-0) In the time of virtual therapy where parents are heavily involved during sessions, parents want to... 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