Student Motivation Saturday: Brain Breaks

It's been a few weeks since I've joined in with one my blogging buddies, Joanne, for her Student Motivation Saturday linky. Even though I don't post every week, I do read all the ideas posted each week. If you haven't checked out the wealth of information that's been posted you need to!


There are some days, students walk in the door and they are just a wee bit crazy. Other days, no matter how many topics we have to cover in many engaging ways, student come in a bit lethargic.

What to do?

I'm a big fan of brain breaks. Whether it's a quick video usually found on YouTube, or some exercises, a quick minute or two can really change the student's mindset and help motivate students. A change of pace, some movement, and maybe a little laughter can really get things going.

This is all dependent on the type of brain break used. While it can sometimes work to do something fast paced when the students have an over abundance of energy, a few simple stretches to calm them down can help even more. Those days, when the class just seems to have a case of the yawns, a fun upbeat dance might just do the trick better.

During my undergrad, we took a short class for health and movement. Part of the requirements were to create a book of resources for our future classrooms that involved purposeful movement in the classroom (either the energize or to calm students). One resource I found was a free PDF booklet on K-5 Energizers 58 pages of ideas. It's a pretty great resource for when your looking to change things up.

I also love all of the "Just Dance" videos, "The Sid Shuffle" and many other videos that can be found on YouTube. However, you'll have to make sure that YouTube is not blocked at your school. Jivey, has mentioned a website to get around some of the bad stuff on YouTube (i.e. all of the inappropriate ideas/side bar items) by using a website called Safe Share, you just have to copy and paste the video link and it takes care of the rest.

If your looking for ideas for brain breaks or transitions I have many ideas pinned. I've tried to be more vigilant in making sure that all links work.  You can see the board by clicking below.


While your on pinterest, be sure to like the new Collaborative 4-6th Grade pinterest board I am apart of. We are hosting a giveaway with a chance to win a $50 TPT gift certificate! To enter, click on the picture below and follow the instructions there! :)




9 comments

  1. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Youtube videos, but am always nervous about what shows up in the sides, suggestions, or comments. Yikes! I have never heard of this safe share site. It is absolutely my new favorite tech-y thing this summer!!! Thanks for sharing :)

    Erin

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  2. I love using Just Dance and need to start using safeshare!

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  3. I love using Just Dance and need to start using safeshare!

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  4. My Grade 4's LOVE Just Dance on youtube. Thanks for the link to the great Energizers resource! That'll definitely come in handy.
    -Lisa
    Grade 4 Buzz

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  5. I agree with you 100% about kids needing those brain breaks! Until I learned that Just Dance was on Youtube, I had one minute dance parties everyday to break up our reading and math blocks. I think they're very motivating! Plus, have you ever seen anyone dance in a bad mood? NO! Everyone starts the next subject on a positive note!
    Thanks for linking up and sharing friend!
    Hugs,
    Joanne
    Head Over Heels For Teaching

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  6. What a great collection of resources! Can't wait to try them out:)

    Tara
    The Math Maniac

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  7. I'm now following your Brain Break Pinterest board -- so many great ideas! I also blogged about brain breaks today with the Twelve Days of Fitness. Hope you will check it out!

    Jennifer
    Mrs. Laffin's Laughings

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  8. Thanks for the resources! I love the brain breaks and I try to use them but I quickly run out of ideas but now I have a ton. I also plan on sharing the safeshare website with my school. I love Youtube videos and there is so much on there that is educational or just plain fun but also way too much yuck so I do not use in it my class and now I can.

    Donna

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  9. I love brain breaks! I made a Pinterest board for them, and it cuts out all of the ads and other potentially inappropriate content. It usually works fine just showing from there!

    Don't Let the Teacher Stay Up Late
    Follow me on Bloglovin!

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