Brain Breaks...Go Noodle, Energizing Brain Breaks, Kagan and More

Monday, May 5, 2014


Who doesn't love a good brain break? I love them and so have my students and teachers. We all need a little down time to clear our mind and readjust.

Brain Breaks are proven to increase student learning and motivation. Just a 5-10 minute Brain Break can make all the difference in the classroom environment.

Some great sites for Brain Breaks are:

GoNoodle: There’s a short brain break activity for every part of the day. Calm the classroom or energize your students depending on the time of day.

Energizing Brain Breaks: Brain breaks are refreshing to students and teachers alike. They do take some time out of class, but the efficiency of our students goes up when we incorporate them.

TelevisionTunes: Name that Theme Song Game. This is a great way to engergize students and introduce them to many different tv theme shows from the past and present.
Cooperative/Kagan & Brain Breaks
Kagan Publishing has great ideas for brain breaks. What's This Got To Do With Anything and Silly Sports and Goofy Games. I used these books a lot and my students loved it!



                                               
                           Don't miss this FREEBIE: 

Miss Rachael's Brain Break Cards - 60+ ideas!



Need a brain break right now?

Check this one out:
Four Corners:  I have my room labeled with North, South, East, West signs at all times.  I select a song and have the students walk, dance, whatever they please, around the room.  When I stop the music, the kids must report to a “corner of the Earth”.  Next, I use my Kagan Selector Tools to select North, South, East, West (or use popsicle sticks).  Whoever is in that corner is out!  Very simple adaptation to four corners which can be altered to accommodate your content. http://teachinginstyle.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/tips-and-tricks-fun-brain-breaks/

Adaptation that I love: Have the students stand up and play R.E.M. - Stand. When a certain direction is said have the student turn in that direction.
This is also great for a lesson on "Cardinal Directions". My students love this!


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