Hello Everyone!
Welcome to another Bright Ideas Link UP!
Most teachers I know use brain breaks, and I'm always searching for new sources! I keep them all in my Symbaloo bookmark board so I can just click the icon and get started right away.
To me, a wiggle break is like resetting your computer so it's much more efficient when starting up again on the next task!
I fully believe that students should be given the opportunity to build their stamina for reading, writing and focusing their attention in class. However, between these periods of "intense" and purposeful learning, some sort of brain break is a must!
But... it's a loooong year, so I need more than one website or idea. Here are a few things I use the most through the year:
GoNoodle: Fantastic videos to get that energy out, or to cool down with some yoga. Everyone has "their own spot" in the room when we spread out, so there are no management issues.
Just Dance: Just like GoNoodle, it's a collection of videos using popular music and awesome dance moves that the kids learn really quickly! Everyone has their favorite, so I let them choose as a reward for making smart choices!
The Learning Station: Great songs to sing and dance along with for younger students.
Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventures: I love how this lady guides students through different yoga poses by making them into an imaginative story for them to imagine and act out.
Dr. Jean: Lovely learning songs for little ones. My husband teaches elementary music, and uses many of these with Kindergarteners.
KooKoo Kangaroo: I learned about the Dino Stomp song when one of my students performed it for the school talent show! This little guy had the entire school stomping along with him - adorable!
Special Needs: This list of activities and adaptations recommended by physical therapists may help if you have students who are in wheelchairs or cannot jump around. They can still take part in the fun!
Quiet Music: We use quiet music for silent reading every day after lunch - the SAME song always starts first. I don't have to say a word to them; when the first few notes of the music starts, students know that talking is over, and they are supposed to get their levelled books or sight word rings (kept in their desk folders) out to read. We build up stamina - starting with one minute of reading up to to 30 minutes of sustained silent reading, - by the end of the year. They can use "personal offices" to minimize distraction, as shown below.
Silent Writing: This is the same as Silent Reading, but students are allowed to write! There is no talking at all, and I get the most amazing written work during these times.
Partner Dance: This is simple game you can play in class that originated from reading about Math In Your Feet; students pair up and create simple routines within their square for their partner to copy. So simple! Fantastic for math vocabulary, collaborations, coordination, creative movement and mental stimulation. We do this outside using sidewalk chalk!
Follow the Leader: The special helper of the day leads the class like a long train through a series of actions and areas around the school. For example, up the ladder and down the slide, around the playground on one foot, 10 jumping jacks, all through the forest skipping, etc. Students have to watch closely and imitate (any silly business means they have to sit out and watch - sorry!) After 1 minute, the leader runs to the end of the line and we have a new leader! It's even better if you can break into two short lines!
Five Minutes of Freedom - I am very lucky because my classroom is right beside the playground and a huge forest. We can take a five minute break and be back inside very quickly, feeling energized from the fresh air. It's also a great incentive; let's all get finished on time so we can go outside!
To me, a wiggle break is like resetting your computer so it's much more efficient when starting up again on the next task!
I fully believe that students should be given the opportunity to build their stamina for reading, writing and focusing their attention in class. However, between these periods of "intense" and purposeful learning, some sort of brain break is a must!
But... it's a loooong year, so I need more than one website or idea. Here are a few things I use the most through the year:
GoNoodle: Fantastic videos to get that energy out, or to cool down with some yoga. Everyone has "their own spot" in the room when we spread out, so there are no management issues.
Just Dance: Just like GoNoodle, it's a collection of videos using popular music and awesome dance moves that the kids learn really quickly! Everyone has their favorite, so I let them choose as a reward for making smart choices!
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| Click to hear "Happy" |
The Learning Station: Great songs to sing and dance along with for younger students.
Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventures: I love how this lady guides students through different yoga poses by making them into an imaginative story for them to imagine and act out.
Dr. Jean: Lovely learning songs for little ones. My husband teaches elementary music, and uses many of these with Kindergarteners.
KooKoo Kangaroo: I learned about the Dino Stomp song when one of my students performed it for the school talent show! This little guy had the entire school stomping along with him - adorable!
Special Needs: This list of activities and adaptations recommended by physical therapists may help if you have students who are in wheelchairs or cannot jump around. They can still take part in the fun!
Quiet Music: We use quiet music for silent reading every day after lunch - the SAME song always starts first. I don't have to say a word to them; when the first few notes of the music starts, students know that talking is over, and they are supposed to get their levelled books or sight word rings (kept in their desk folders) out to read. We build up stamina - starting with one minute of reading up to to 30 minutes of sustained silent reading, - by the end of the year. They can use "personal offices" to minimize distraction, as shown below.
Silent Writing: This is the same as Silent Reading, but students are allowed to write! There is no talking at all, and I get the most amazing written work during these times.
Partner Dance: This is simple game you can play in class that originated from reading about Math In Your Feet; students pair up and create simple routines within their square for their partner to copy. So simple! Fantastic for math vocabulary, collaborations, coordination, creative movement and mental stimulation. We do this outside using sidewalk chalk!
Five Minutes of Freedom - I am very lucky because my classroom is right beside the playground and a huge forest. We can take a five minute break and be back inside very quickly, feeling energized from the fresh air. It's also a great incentive; let's all get finished on time so we can go outside!
What are your favorite brain breaks? Did I miss some that really work for your class? I'd love to hear about it in the comments! Thank you!
You can see more wonderful ideas by clicking one of the links below!
Great links and info. Thanks for sharing! Jayne
ReplyDeleteSmart Kids
I love the variety of activities you shared! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMonica Parsons, NC Teacher Chick
I can never have enough brain breaks for wiggly kids! Such great ideas!
ReplyDeleteSally from Elementary Matters