FIDGET FIXERS

There are some children who just can’t keep their fingers still. You try finger plays, cheers, and all the tricks you can, but those fingers just keep on moving. Here are a few ideas that might be an outlet for those frisky fingers.

Brain Toys (pre-K and K)
Fill a shoebox or basket with stress balls, sponge balls, knotted socks, etc. Suggest children get a “brain toy” when they can’t keep their hands to themselves.

Fiddle Stick (primary grades)
Wrap a 20” piece of string around a jumbo craft sticks. Children keep these in their desk and get them out when their hands need to fiddle.

Stress Button
Glue the hook side of Velcro to a poker chip to make a “stress button.”  Children can keep it in their pocket and then rub it when they feel anxious.

Twisty and Bendy

 

Give children a pipe cleaner or straw to twist and manipulate.

Fidget Cube

The fidget cube is a toy with different things that move, such as a toggle switch, clicking button, gears, etc. Apparently, they are helpful for adults and children with ADHD. I found several online and they vary in price from $1.00 on up.

MY BONNIE BOUNCE

You probably all know the song "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean." You'll be surprised how much exercise you get as you stand up or sit down every time you say a word that starts with the /b/ sound. Join me on this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ONWTT-JFu8

Warning! One teacher said her kids loved it so much they kept begging to do it over and over. She said she could hardly walk up the stairs when she got home!

My Bonnie Bounce (Tune: “My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean”)
My Bonnie (Stand up.)
Lies over the ocean.
My Bonnie (Sit down.)
Lies over the sea.
My Bonnie (Stand up.)
Lies over the ocean.
Oh, bring (Sit down.)
Back (Stand up.)
My Bonnie (Sit down.)
To me.
Bring (Stand up.)
Back (Sit down.)
Bring (Stand up.)
Back (Sit down.)
Oh, bring (Stand up.)
Back (Sit down.)
My Bonnie (Stand up.)
To me, to me.
Bring (Sit down.)
Back (Stand up.)
Bring (Sit down.)
Back (Stand up.)
Oh, bring (Sit down.)
Back (Stand up.)
My Bonnie to me. (Sit down.)

A little faster…
Super fast…


You can also move and release wiggles in a confined space with this song.

Chair Can Can

Have children sit in their seat, bounce their feet to the beat, and make the following movements.

Bend right knee and then kick. (Right leg up and kick out.)
Bend left knee and kick. (Left leg up and kick out.)
Cross kick right and then cross kick left. (Kick feet in opposite directions.)
Rainbow arms from left to right. (Swish arms in a big arch.)
Bounce your feet up and down as you rainbow your arms.
Right heel up. (Put up right heel.)
Left heel up. (Put up left heel.)
Open and close arms like an elevator door. (Open arms out and together.)
Hands on the sides of your chair and lift and sit. (Lift body.)
Lift, hold, hold, sit. (Lift, hold for several seconds, and sit.)
Kick right leg out straight and the left leg out straight. (Kick straight leg.)
Wave arms high in the air. (Arms up and move back and forth.)
Take a bow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIOSRvmYp94

How about a new video from Alex May?

https://bit.ly/drJNeurobics

TESTING! TESTING!

TESTING! TESTING!

If I were in charge of the world you wouldn't be allowed to test little children! Unfortunately, I'm not in charge of the world, and even young children are experiencing "test anxiety" this time of year. How ridiculous for a four or five year old to be worried about a test! Bless their hearts...and bless your hearts.

Nevertheless, here are some activities that might help children relax and focus before a test. They might also be a good break between tests.

Deep Breathing

Inhale slowly as you count to 8. Exhale slowly as you count backwards from 8 to 1. Breath in hot chocolate. Breath out and blow the candles out on a birthday cake. 

 

Tighten~Relax 

Tighten up your body as tight as you can and squeeze, squeeze, squeeze. Then relax and let it all go. Repeat several times.

*Starting with the toes, call out one body part at a time for children to squeeze and then relax. For example, toes, feet, knees, legs, hips, back, fingers, arms, shoulders, necks, faces, and then a whole body SQUEEZE!

Rag Dolls and Soldiers

When the teacher calls out “rag dolls” everyone flops over like a rag doll. When the teacher says, “soldiers,” everyone stands up tall and stiff. Continue calling out “rag dolls” and “soldiers” faster and faster.
 


“Eye” Exercise

Demonstrate how to hold your two index fingers a few inches from your eyes on either side of your head. Look at the right index finger with both eyes and then look at the left index finger.
                                                    


Balancing Act 

Ask children to stand. How long can they balance on their right foot? How long can they balance on their left foot? Can they balance on their right toes? Left toes? Can they balance on their right foot and extend their left leg in the air? Can they balance on one foot with their eyes closed?

Hint! Classical music is lovely for balancing activities.

Vacation 

Tell your class to give their mouth and their eyes a “vacation” by closing their eyes and mouths. Next, ask them to practice breathing through their noses. You’ll be amazed at how this brings down their energy level and helps them focus.


Silly Dance 

Play some catch music for the children to do the silly dance. When you stop the music they have to "freeze." Continue playing and stopping the music as the children dance and freeze.


Hint! The "finger neurobics" that K.J. demonstrated several years ago would also be an excellent way to calm children.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB4lXUhRfMU

WIGGLE WORMS?

HAVE YOU NOTICED THE CLOSER YOU GET TO OCTOBER 31ST THE MORE THE WIGGLE WORMS COME OUT IN YOUR CLASSROOM?HAVE YOU GOT WIGGLE WORMS IN YOUR CLASSROOM THESE DAYS? HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO GET THOSE WIGGLES OUT.

Take advantage of those extra minutes you have before lunch, while waiting to for an activity, or at the end of the day with one of these brain breaks. They are the perfect solution for when your students look bored or restless during the day.

Hint! Before doing these activities ask children to show you their “body space” by extending their arms slightly and twisting around. Remind them to stay in their body space as you do these activities.

Shake It Up
Hold up your right hand and shake five times as you count.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Hold up your left hand and shake five times as you count.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Hold up your right foot and shake five times as you count.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Hold up your left foot and shake five times as you count.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Count to four with each arm and leg…then three…two…one.
End by saying, “Oh yeah!” as you extend your arms and make the letter “Y.”

Adaptations: If children are wound-up do this with a whisper voice.

*Count to five in different languages.

*Do the vowel shake down where you say, “A, E, I, O, U,” and the “E, I, O, U,” and then “I, O, U,” and so forth.

Balancing Brains
Have children stand. How long can they balance on their right foot? How long can they balance on their left foot?
Can they balance on their toes?
Can they balance on their right foot and extend their left leg in the air?
Can they balance on their left foot and extend their right leg in the air.
Can they balance on one foot with their eyes closed?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thq9MTAUfSY

Jumping Brains
Ask children to stand and challenge them to jump in their space as long as they can. When they get tired they can sit back in their seats.

Here’s a video where you can jump with Dr. Jean.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y1UBTOFEzA&list=PL7bsHC8DZJxh3UuXWDyOXZ1c_dGBUdxOA&index=43

Brains Go Marching
Children can get an amazing amount of exercise simply by standing and marching in place. March with Dr. Jean on this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1jEZ9vSmdA&list=PL7bsHC8DZJxh3UuXWDyOXZ1c_dGBUdxOA&index=2

Push the Wall
While children are waiting in the hall have them put their hands up against the wall and push it as hard as they can. Ask them to do push ups against the wall?

Babble Break
How about a three-minute "babble break" where children can talk to their friends? You could give them a topic to discuss that relates to a unit of study, let them tell jokes, or just chit chat.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljcHJVUzRkOEVQZHc/view?usp=sharing

MOTHER GOONEY BIRD

How about some silly songs today?  These songs can release wiggles and put a smile on your face.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9--zaOSh8Tc

Mother Goony Bird
Mother Goony Bird had 7 chicks. (Hold up 7 fingers.)
And 7 chicks had Mother Goony Bird.
And they couldn’t swim – NO! (Extend left hand and shake head.)
And they couldn’t fly – NO! (Extend right hand and shake head.)
All they did was go like this – right arm. (Flap right arm.)

Add left arm…right foot…left foot… (Add other movements.)
Nod your head…turn around, sit down!

Activities: Choose children to be the chicks and Mother Goony bird and act out the song.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_kbXUbqBYU

Wiggle Willy
I know a little boy. (Dance from side to side to the beat.)
His name is Wiggle Willy.
He is so very nice, but oh, he is so wiggly!
And so go his fingers and his fingers go like so
And his fingers are always soooooo… (Wiggle fingers.)
And so go his arms…(Wiggle arms and fingers.)
Legs…(Wiggle legs, arms, and fingers.)
Head…(Wiggle head, legs, arms, and fingers.)
Tongue…(Move tongue back and forth along with the other body parts.)
Wiggle Willy!

Activities: Why is Willy so wiggly? What makes you wiggly? What can you do about it?

Have the children brainstorm how they can get rid of wiggles on the bus, in the car, sitting in their seat at school, etc.

Let children draw their interpretations of Wiggle Willy.

Laura Pearson 

Image via Pexels

 

11 Resources for Raising Safe, Healthy, and Happy Kids 

 

Raising children is a remarkable journey filled with excitement, growth, and endless learning opportunities for parents and kids alike. Navigating through the twists and turns of each age and stage can be daunting. But fear not. Courtesy of Dr. Jean and Friends, the resources below will equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence you need to embrace every milestone — from those adorable baby coos to the ups and downs of adolescence.

 

Safety

No one needs to tell you about the importance of keeping your child safe throughout the years. Here are some resources to help you along the way:

 

●      Child Safety and Injury Prevention from Better Health Channel

●      Tips and Reviews from Safe Smart Family

●      The CDC shares Info on Safety in the Home & Community for Parents With Teens

 

Health

We all want healthy children. Here are some of the best health-related resources on the web:

 

●      Child Health Issues and Tips: 1-5 Years

●      10 Tips To Keep Kids Healthy This School Year

●      Fitness and Your 13- to 18-Year-Old (for Parents)

●      Pathways 4 Youth

 

Happiness

These resources will go a long way in helping you create an environment for your child to enjoy a happy life — now and in the future!

 

●      Boost Your Career with These Steps for a Bachelor's Degree in Business

●      5 Secrets to Raising a Happy Child

●      How To Let Go of Hyperparenting and Learn To Relax With Your Kids

●      Create a Positive Home: How to Raise Happy Kids in a Positive Atmosphere

 

Thrilling, rewarding, enlightening — that’s what it’s like to raise children through every age and stage. You can navigate the complexities of parenthood with poise and assurance by staying informed, adaptable, and maintaining an open line of communication with your child. 

 

Each phase presents unique challenges and joys. The key is to cherish every moment and celebrate each accomplishment along the way. Here’s to creating a nurturing environment where your child can flourish and laying a foundation for a lifetime of success and happiness!

 

Dr. Jean and Friends has the children’s songs, music, and activities you’ve been looking for. Questions? Call (404) 386-9057.

 

GOING CRAZY????

Are you going crazy right now? Well, here's a video that might help you destress and laugh with your students. When I was about to lose it I would sit down in a chair and slowly start singing this song. The first time I did it my students looked shocked and were speechless! They quickly realized Mrs. Feldman was just being silly and we ended up laughing together. After that when things got a little tense in the classroom I would sing this song and they would join in, relax, and smile!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgDU5RpzUms


I Am Slowly Going Crazy
(Tune: "Reuben, Reuben, I’ve Been Thinking")
I am slowly going crazy, (Cross right ankle on left knee. Place right
elbow on right knee and place chin on palm.)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, switch. (Cross left ankle on right knee and place
chin on left palm.)
Crazy going slowly am I, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, switch.
Continue singing faster and faster.

*Brainstorm other things you can do when you feel like you’re going crazy!

*Make a class book of “Things That Drive Us Crazy!”

ALL IS CALM????

Need a few new tricks to calm those excited children this week?

QUIET Man (Candace Reed)
Make "quiet man" with your fingers by sticking up pinky and pointer and touching thumb, ring man, and tall man. When the teacher holds up "quiet man" the children respond by making "quiet man" and focusing on the teacher.

Magic Triangle (Cathy Crady)
Remind children that they all have a magic triangle in their pocket. (Place pointers and thumbs next to each other to form a triangle.) When the children need to calm down ask them to take out their magic triangle and hold it in front of their mouth. Tell them to take a deep breath in through their nose, and then slowly blow through the triangle.

Body Check
Explain that it's important to listen with your eyes, ears, and bodies.

*Teacher: Are your eyes looking at me?

Children: Check!

Teacher: Are your ears ready to listen?

Children: Check!

Teacher: Are your bodies sitting quietly?

Children: Check!

Teacher: Are you ready to learn?

Children: Check!

Breath through Your Nose
Tell children to slowly breath in and out their noses. It’s surprising how this will calm them – and they won’t be able to talk!


Bubbles
Blow bubbles and see if the children can be sitting quietly before all the bubbles pop.



Self Control (Becky Gilsdorf)
Use this visual cue to help children who are out of control:

Cross hands over your chest. (Self)

Slide both hands down the sides of your body. (Control)

As the child repeats the movements silently it will calm them down.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH!

Here’s an “Emergency Kit” for this week (or any day when things get crazy)!

Calm Down Lotion 

You know that drawer full of body lotion you've received as gifts. Take the label off one and print a new one that says "Calm Down Lotion." Give each child a little squirt to rub on their hands and arms to help them relax.

Hint! Lavender and vanilla are suppose to be particularly good for reducing stress.


Silent Singing
Sing the "Alphabet Song" or any song lowering your voice each time until you are lip singing. You'll be amazed at how it calms down the class.

Turn off the Lights

Something as simple as turning off the lights can reduce stress and energy. You could also play some quiet music as children enter the classroom.


Take a Deep Breath

Have children pretend to breath in hot chocolate as you slowly count to 8. Blow out the birthday candles as you slowly count to 8. Continue counting slowly as children breath in and out.


Give Your Mouth a Vacation 

Challenge children to “give their mouths a vacation” and practice breathing through their noses.


Whisper Wednesday
Before the children leave Tuesday explain that tomorrow will be “Whisper Wednesday” and that you will only use whisper voices in your classroom all day. (I might make up a little story about an elf telling me to do that because he has such big ears and loud noises really bother him!) Make a sign for your door that says “Welcome to Whisper Wednesday. Please put on your whisper voice before entering today!” Greet the children at the door by whispering, “Good morning! I’m so glad you’re here today!” Sing, talk, read, and whisper through the day.

                             
You might enjoy Whisper Wednesday so much you will want to continue doing it every Wednesday in the New Year.


Make Rain
Hold up your palm as you say, “Let’s make rain. Do what I do.”
Tap pointer finger on palm for several seconds.
Tap pointer finger and middle finger.
Tap pointer, middle, and ring finger.
Tap pointer, middle, ring, and pinky on palm.
Clap hands together loudly.
Clap hands and stomp feet and then reverse the movements.
Clap hands.
Tap pointer, middle, ring, and pinky on palm.
Tap pointer, middle, and ring finger.
Tap pointer and middle finger.
Tap pointer finger on palm.
Slowly bring palms together and put in your lap.

*This will really sound like a rainstorm is coming and going. Children will want to do it again and again. Woe be unto the child who does not cooperate with the group!

STICK IT TO ME

Here are some simple teaching tools with jumbo craft sticks.  They are inexpensive and won't take you five minutes to make.

Comprehension Sticks
Write “Who?” “What?” “Where?” “When?” “Why?” on sticks and insert them in a sock. Throw the sock over your shoulder before reading a book to prompt the children to be active listeners. After reading the story, let children choose a stick and tell that part.

*You could also write “author, illustrator, title, beginning, middle, end” or “characters, setting, problem, resolution.”

Punctuation Sticks
Draw a period, exclamation point, and question mark on the end of jumbo craft sticks. Children take turns choosing a stick and placing it at the end of a sentence as friends read with appropriate expression.




Fiddle Stick
Each child will need a jumbo craft stick and a 20” piece of string.
Tie one end of the string to the middle of the craft stick. (Put a piece of tape on it to secure it.) Children can calm down and release wiggles by winding up the string and then unwinding it.

                             

CLASSROOM MANAGMENT TOOLS

These are some fun props that you might want to create for your "bag of tricks" before the school year begins.

Flashlight Spotlight
Take a flashlight and shine it on a child who is modeling the behavior you are looking for. “Spotlight on (child’s name). He’s got his math book and he’s ready to learn.”

Happy Chappy
You will need some lip balm with a fragrance. Gently rub children’s right hand with a “happy chappy” when they are following directions.

                         

You Knock My Socks Off!
You will need an old pair of socks, a stick, and a piece of string 18” long for this project. Tie a sock to each end of the string. Tie the middle of the string to the stick. When children do something outstanding, take the stick and wave it in the air as you say, “You knock my socks off!”

                                                 

Mr. Good for You!
A cloth glove, markers, fiberfill, and pipe cleaner are all you need to make a “good for you hand.” First, draw a happy face on one side of the glove with the markers. Fill the glove tightly with fiberfill or another stuffing. Gather the bottom of the glove and secure with a pipe cleaner. Children get “Mr. Good for You” and pat themselves on the back when they accomplish a new task.



Magic Lotion
Take an empty pump dispenser of hand lotion and remove the label. Make a new label for the lotion that says, “Mr./Mrs. (your name)’s Magic Lotion” and tape it to the bottle. When children are upset, frustrated, get a boo boo, or have hurt feelings, give them a “squirt” of magic lotion.

                                                                 

Brain Toys 

Fill a shoebox or basket with knotted socks or stress balls. Suggest children get a brain toy when they can’t keep their hands to themselves.



Peace Flower 

When two children have a disagreement let them hold the flower with both hands as they look at each other. When they have resolved their conflict they can hug and to back and play.

WIGGLE WILLY, BONNIE BOUNCE, AND BANANA DANCE

Need a smile? Got wiggles? Try one of these songs.

Wiggle Willy
Directions: Have children stand and tell them that you have a song about a little boy who has the fidgets just like them sometimes. His name is Wiggle Willy!

I know a little boy. (Dance from side to side to the beat.)
His name is Wiggle Willy.
He is so very nice, but oh, he is so wiggly!
And so go his fingers and his fingers go like so
And his fingers are always soooooo… (Wiggle fingers.)

And so go his arms…(Wiggle arms and fingers.)

Legs…(Wiggle legs, arms, and fingers.)

Head…(Wiggle head, legs, arms, and fingers.)

Tongue…(Move tongue back and forth along with the other body parts.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_kbXUbqBYU

Warning! One teacher said her kids loved it so much they kept begging to do it over and over. She said she could hardly walk up the stairs when she got home!


My Bonnie Bounce (Tune: “My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean”)
My Bonnie (Stand up.)
Lies over the ocean.
My Bonnie (Sit down.)
Lies over the sea.
My Bonnie (Stand up.)
Lies over the ocean.
Oh, bring (Sit down.)
Back (Stand up.)
My Bonnie (Sit down.)
To me.
Bring (Stand up.)
Back (Sit down.)
Bring (Stand up.)
Back (Sit down.)
Oh, bring (Stand up.)
Back (Sit down.)
My Bonnie (Stand up.)
To me, to me.
Bring (Sit down.)
Back (Stand up.)
Bring (Sit down.)
Back (Stand up.)
Oh, bring (Sit down.)
Back (Stand up.)
My Bonnie to me. (Sit down.)

A little faster…
Super fast…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ONWTT-JFu8


The Banana Dance (Aka Guacamole song)

Form the banana, form, form the banana.  (Bring your right arm up)

Form the banana, form, form the banana.  (Bring your left arm up.)

Peel the banana, peel, peel the banana.  (Bring your right arm down.)

Peel the banana, peel, peel the banana.  (Bring your left arm down.)

Go bananas, go, go bananas.  (Jump around and act crazy!)

Go bananas, go, go bananas.

 

Form the corn, form, form the corn.  (Bring your right arm up.)

Form the corn, form, form the corn.  (Bring your left arm up.)

Shuck the corn, shuck, shuck the corn.  (Bring your right arm down.)

Shuck the corn, shuck, shuck the corn.  (Bring your left arm down.)

Pop the corn, pop, pop the corn.  (Jump on the word “pop.”)

Pop the corn, pop, pop the corn.

 

Form the mango…

Do the tango!  (Dance with a partner.)

 

Form the orange…

Squeeze the orange!   (Hug a partner.)

 

Form the tomato…

“Th” the ketchup!  (Thumb down and pretend to shake a ketchup bottle.)

 

Form the carrot…

Feed the bunny!  (Fingers over head like ears.) 

Form the avocado…

Guacamole!  (Shake your head and arms so your cheeks wiggle.)

http://bit.ly/drjean_guac

CROSS THE MIDLINE AND GOING CRAZY

It’s important to activate both sides of the brain by crossing from left to right and right to left. Here’s a video that’s great to start your day or when the children get a little restless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slVzDBKyxIo 

Jump Up, Turn around, Cross the Midline
Jump up, turn around, cross the midline, (Jump, turn, stretch arms left.)
Jump up, turn around, cross it every day. (Jump, turn, stretch arms right.)
Jump up, turn around, cross the midline,
Jump up, turn around, let’s see how many ways.
Bend low and pick that bean. (Bend down to the left with right hand.)
Bend low and pick that pea. (Bend down to the right with left hand.)
Bend low and pick that berry.
Bend low and get that squash for me.
Jump up stretch and pick that apple. (High to the left with right hand.)
Jump up stretch and pick that pear. (High to the right with left hand.)
Jump up stretch and pick that cherry.
Jump up and get that orange over there...


Cross Lateral Connections
Have children put their two fists together to make their “brain.” Explain that both sides of the brain have to work together. Draw an imaginary line down the middle of your body. That’s the midline. Crossing over that imaginary line builds bridges in their brain. Put a piece of masking tape or painter’s tape down their bodies so they can visually see how they cross the midline when they sing the song.

Brain Hug
Demonstrate how children can “hug their brain” and cross the midline.
1. Thumbs up – Extend arms and stick up thumbs in front of you.
2. Cross arms
3. Clasp fingers
4. Bring fists down and up to hug chest

You’re the Best
Here’s a simpler version of a brain hug just right for the younger students. Ask the students to repeat each line as you demonstrate.
1. Thumbs up.
2. Across the chest.
3. Pat on the back.
4. Cause you’re the BEST!


I Am Slowly Going Crazy

When I would be about to explode, I would sit down in a chair and start singing this song. At first my class really thought I was going crazy, but eventually they saw the humor and we would all end up laughing. It became a great attention grabber and a fun way for all of us to relax and smile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgDU5RpzUms

I Am Slowly Going Crazy
(Tune: "Reuben, Reuben, I’ve Been Thinking")
I am slowly going crazy, (Cross right ankle on left knee. Place right
elbow on right knee and place chin on palm.)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, switch. (Cross left ankle on right knee and place
chin on left palm.)
Crazy going slowly am I, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, switch.
Continue singing faster and faster.

*Brainstorm other things you can do when you feel like you’re going crazy!

*Make a class book of “Things That Drive Us Crazy!”

GOOD IDEA #17

I've had more fun taking these "old" ideas and adapting them to online experiences.

A Rhyming We Will Go (Traci Zietlow)
(Tune: “The Farmer in the Dell”)
A-rhyming we will go.
A-rhyming we will go.
Hi ho the derry-o
A-rhyming we will go.
Cat rhymes with rat.
Cat rhymes with rat.
Hi ho the derry-o,
Cat rhymes with rat.

                                              

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

Use rhyming pictures as you sing with the children.

Hold up nursery rhyme visuals and challenge the children to identify two words that you could use in the song.

Fist List (Ezabel Decker)
To help children with sequencing encourage them to make a “fist list.”
Hold up 1 finger. “Wash your hands.”
Hold up 2nd finger. “Get your lunch box.”
Hold up 3rd finger. “Get in line quietly.”

                                                                            

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

Use this strategy at the beginning of the day to prepare children for what you will be doing.

*Recall at the end of the day by making a fist list. 

Roller Coaster Cheer (JulieAdamson)
Pretend to get on a roller coaster.  Make your hands go up and down and add loops, bumps, or twists.  End by waving arms in the air as you cheer silently.

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

Who could resist a ride on a roller coaster?

EXERCISE BREAKS AT HOME OR SCHOOL

Here are some great exercises you can do at home or at school. 

Push the Wall
Have the children put their hands up against the wall and push it as hard as they can. Ask them to do push ups against the wall.


15 Minutes of Walking/Exercising
Whether or not you have a Fitbit, try building 15 minutes of walking each day as you count, sing letter songs, say days of the week, months, spell words, and so forth
Shake Down
This is one of my favorite ways to energize the brain and shake out those wiggles.
 
Hold up your right hand and shake five times as you count.1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Hold up your left hand and shake five times as you count.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Hold up your right foot and shake five times as you count.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Hold up your left foot and shake five times as you count.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Count to four with each arm and leg…then three…two…one.End by saying, “Oh yeah!” as you extend your arms and make the letter “Y.”

Brains Go Marching
Children can get an amazing amount of exercise simply by standing and marching in place. Here are some different ways you can march. Can you add to the list?          
 
Power march by swinging arms up and down as you lift your knees high.
March slow and then march fast.
March in a circle and then turn around and march in a circle in the opposite direction.
March like a toy soldier with stiff arms and legs.
March high and then march down low.
March on tippy toes.
Swish arms back and forth like windshield wipers as you march.

Want to march with me?

 

Watch Kids on the March