STNR Reflex Integration Primitive Reflexes exercises activities OT SEL visual

Integrating the STNR Reflex Through Play-Based Activities

Promote coordination between the upper and lower body, improve posture during seated tasks, and build smooth transitions between movement patterns—through engaging, play-based experiences.

This comprehensive resource is designed to help integrate the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)—a transitional reflex that bridges early reflexive movement and voluntary control. The STNR supports the ability to move from crawling to sitting, organize the body for desk work, and coordinate head, neck, and limb movements. When this reflex remains active beyond infancy, children may struggle with posture, attention, handwriting, and visual tracking.

With 35 whole-body, sensory-rich activities, this guide equips therapists, educators, and caregivers with practical tools to strengthen the integration of head and body movement. Each activity blends fun with function, supporting developmental readiness, self-regulation, and classroom participation.

What’s Inside:

• 35 play-based exercises targeting the STNR Reflex
• Step-by-step visuals and simple instructions for immediate use
• Activities that promote postural alignment, upper-lower body coordination, and smooth transitions between flexion and extension
• Sensory-rich movement ideas that build awareness, focus, and motor control
• Adaptations to meet diverse sensory, physical, and attention needs
• “Why It Helps” sections explaining the purpose behind each exercise
• Perfect for children who struggle with posture, handwriting, attention, or transitions

Whether working with toddlers, preschoolers, or school-aged children, this resource builds the foundation for sitting upright, shifting focus, and organizing the body for learning. By integrating the STNR Reflex, children can better coordinate movement between their upper and lower body—essential for reading, writing, and play.

Because harmony between movement and attention starts with body organization and postural control.

Handouts include:

•Seated Knee Hug (page 4)

•Head Tilt on Wall Sit (page 5)

•Cat-Cow with Transitions (page 6)

•March in Place Head Nods (page 7)

•Kneeling Balance (page 8)

•Half Kneel Shoulder Press (page 9)

•Crawl & Count Adventure (page 10)

•Puppy Pose Stretch (page 11)

•Belly Scooting (page 12)

•Seated Toe Taps (page 13)

•Hands & Knees Stretch (page 14)

•Tabletop Leg Lifts (page 15)

•Prone Arm Reach (page 16)

•Crawl over, under, through (page 17)

•Bear Walk Pause & Look (page 18)

•Seated Balloon Bounce (page 19)

•Tabletop Balance (page 20)

•Kneel Object Stacking (page 21)

•Slow Rolling Log (page 22)

•Animal Parade (page 23)

•Lizard Crawl (page 24)

•Bridge Builder (page 25)

•Superman to Puppy Flow (page 26)

•Plank & Peek (page 27)

•Quadruped Rocking (page 28)

•Prone Head Lifts (page 29)

•Eye Tracking on All Fours (page 30)

•Scooter Push (page 31)

•Seated Backward Reach (page 32)

•Kneeling Arm Reaches (page 33)

•Ball Roll Push (page 34)

•Kneel to Stand (page 35)

•Cat & Puppy Stretch Pose (page 36)

•Follow the Leader Crawl (page 37)

•Tunnel Twist (page 38)

•Small icons so you can easily print for visual schedule (page 39-41)

 

 

If you love this product, please leave me feedback. If you find an error, or have a suggestion, please email me: EmpoweringOT@gmail.com I am happy to work with buyers to make them happy J

As a reminder, this is only 1 license for the person who purchased this product and the students on the caseload / classroom. Please support your fellow therapist and direct others to purchase this product from my store. This cannot be posted on websites or other areas where multiple people can access this resource.

Check out my teacher pay teacher store for more resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Empowering-Ot-By-Dr-R

DISCLAIMER: By using this, you agree that this activity is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or occupational therapist. Information provided should not be used for diagnostic or training purposes. Please speak with your physician or OT if you have questions. Stop any activity if you are unsure about a child’s reaction or ability.

 

This is perfect for general education students but also students with Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, ADD, sensory processing disorder, and other special needs. This can be used with general education, RTI, MTSS, special education, school psychologist, school counselor, occupational therapy OT, speech language pathology SLP, and social work SW.

 

I am a school occupational therapist who has a doctorate in occupational therapy. I work closely with special education and general education staff adapting material. This is where I get my inspiration for this material. I have used my materials with a variety of children with different disabilities including learning disabilities, dyslexia, autism, sensory processing disorder, ADD, ADHD, visual impairments, deaf/hard of hearing, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and more.

 

DISCLAIMER: By using this, you agree that this activity is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or occupational therapist. Information provided should not be used for diagnostic or training purposes. Please speak with your physician or OT if you have questions. Stop any activity if you are unsure about a child’s reaction or ability. You should discontinue anything if you do not know your child’s reaction or ability.