Take a minute and think about what we ask of our students on any given day. As teachers we want to make the most of the precious time we have them and we do our very best to make every last second filled with learning opportunities. Now think about that from the perspective of a non-teacher adult. When an adult goes to work they are not asked to focus 100% and make every second of the time on their job a productive one. In fact, coffee breaks, water cooler breaks, or even chats over the cubbie wall are all common place occurrences in an office. Why? I believe it is because our brain needs periodic breaks in order to continue working optimally. So why not do this in the classroom too?
If you do not have brain breaks built into your classroom routine I encourage you to give a try. When I first started brain breaks a few years ago I was amazed at the difference they made in the focus ability and work performance of my students. Brain breaks can be anything from a stretching or exercise activity to a silly dance. OK – I know what you are thinking; “Now you want me to plan brain breaks too? I’ve got enough to do already!” So today I am going to share with you one of the most amazing websites around that is filled with brain breaks. All you have to do is click and break!
GoNoodle is one of my favorite classroom websites! In fact it is on my favorites bar on my teacher computer. When it is time for a brain break, or when I see the glazed over look in the eyes of my students, I go to GoNoodle. I choose an activity and we give our brains a break. These activities are short, just a couple minutes long, but the effect on the brain is amazing!
We are doing the Dinosaur Stomp! |
I assign “spread out spots” to help with crowd control and to eliminate the need to decide who to stand next to. |
Nancy Wilson says
I love GoNoodle! I wish I had got in on this Back to School Blogger Blitz! Maybe next time! I love them all, one of my favorites is No Crust! [email protected]
Thanks,
Nancy
The Apple Basket Teacher
Nancy Wilson says
I love GoNoodle! I wish I had got in on this Back to School Blogger Blitz! Maybe next time! I love them all, one of my favorites is No Crust! [email protected]
Thanks,
Nancy
The Apple Basket Teacher
Mrs. Davies says
My 1st graders LOVE all the new brain breaks on the Go Noodle "Moose Tube" channel! They are all so catchy..and fun!! 🙂
~Wendy
[email protected]
Mrs. Davies says
My 1st graders LOVE all the new brain breaks on the Go Noodle "Moose Tube" channel! They are all so catchy..and fun!! 🙂
~Wendy
[email protected]
Julie G says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Julie G says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Julie G says
My favourite EVER is Koo Koo Kanga Roo's No Crust – I Love it!! It's so silly ! I would loooooove to win some playing cards, yay!
[email protected]
Julie G says
My favourite EVER is Koo Koo Kanga Roo's No Crust – I Love it!! It's so silly ! I would loooooove to win some playing cards, yay!
[email protected]
Mrs. Mathis' Homeroom says
We use Go Noodle for the fun brain breaks throughout the day. My students love the Zumba!
Renée
Mrs. Mathis' Homeroom
Mrs. Mathis' Homeroom says
We use Go Noodle for the fun brain breaks throughout the day. My students love the Zumba!
Renée
Mrs. Mathis' Homeroom
kdgunter says
As a new teacher, I am always looking for suggestions. Your comment about adults in the work place was spot on. Of course we all need a brain break! Based on your blog, I went ahead and looked at GoNoodle. I love it, and I think the kids will too! Can't wait to try it this week. Thanks!!
kdgunter says
As a new teacher, I am always looking for suggestions. Your comment about adults in the work place was spot on. Of course we all need a brain break! Based on your blog, I went ahead and looked at GoNoodle. I love it, and I think the kids will too! Can't wait to try it this week. Thanks!!
Sue says
We love KOO KOO Kangaroo and one of our favorites is POPSIKO.
Sue says
We love KOO KOO Kangaroo and one of our favorites is POPSIKO.
Breanne Simons says
My kids just adore Pop See Ko!! 😀
Breanne
[email protected]
Breanne Simons says
My kids just adore Pop See Ko!! 😀
Breanne
[email protected]
amy mich says
Congratulations Breanne! You are the winner of the GoNoodle Cards. I will be emailing you soon!
amy mich says
Congratulations Breanne! You are the winner of the GoNoodle Cards. I will be emailing you soon!