Brain research shows us that movement and breath help to alleviate stress and anxiety. Our bodies are designed to move. We know this intuitively - taking a walk, dancing, yoga, swimming, riding a bike, golfing etc clears our heads, often shifts our moods and increases energy. We feel good. The same holds true for children.
In my class, however , I have learned that children with the propensity for sensory and emotional overwhelm benefit from movement or breaks that calm, soothes and works well in short periods of time that can be repeated. The boy above does the 'hook up' independently as he has discovered it calms him. Today, he led the group in the sequence.
On our exhale we add an audible VOO or AHH sound. This is optional, but feels wonderful and is fun so most do it. Another variation is to cross your ankles at the same time as you do the sequence.
This is a nice sequence as it can be done in many places and is not overly noticeable. It is a great strategy to calm down, breath and release some stress. This is often what I ask the kids to do before we talk or problem solve.