EYE-HAND BRAIN EXERCISES

These are quick ways to engage children’s eyes, hands, and brains when you have a few extra minutes.

Make Rain
Hold up 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, then reverse movements.
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.

Twiddle Your Thumbs
Can you twiddle your thumbs?
Can you unwind them?
Can you twiddle your thumbs with the other thumb on top?

See Saw
Palms together. Push your right hand against the left and then push the left hand against the right.

*Do the same thing with your thumbs, index fingers, middle finger, ring, and pinky fingers.


Beehive
Cross fingers to make a beehive. Wiggle each bee/finger starting with thumbs as you count from one to ten. Reverse as you count backwards. Cross fingers with the opposite thumb in front and then wiggle each finger.


Spider
Open hands and touch fingertips. Bend in and out. Tap thumbs. Then tap index fingers, middle fingers, ring, and pinky fingers. Reverse. Roll each leg/finger forward and then backwards.

Here's a video where you can see some of these demonstrated:

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


Palm Pilot Writing 

Hold up one palm. Write on it with the index finger from the other hand. Children can make shapes, write letters or numbers, words, and so forth.

“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.

TURKEY WIGGLES

I don't know about you, but I've got the Turkey wiggles this week. (That means I'm ready to get the Thanksgiving party started!!!) Here are some ideas that might help your children move, learn, and release their Turkey wiggles!

Jump
Jump as you read the words on the word wall, count to 100, and repeat other information.

*Children can also march or do other movements as they repeat skills.

Phonercise
Put your hands in the air and say the letter "A." Put your hands on your shoulders and make the /a/ sound. Touch your toes and say a word that starts with that sound. Continue going through the alphabet.

*Ask older children to say words that are nouns, verbs, or other parts of speech.

Stand Up
Simply asking the children to stand up gets blood going to the brain. They can stand up when they read, count, or review other information.

Air Writing
Ask children to make numerals, shapes, letters, or write words in the air with their "magic" finger.

Foot Writing
Use feet to write words, letters, answers to math facts, etc.
 

Pantomime
Have children stand and dramatize spelling words or vocabulary words.


Balancing Review
Have children stand. Can they balance on their right foot and count? Count by 2’s, 5’s, 10’s, etc.

*Can they balance on their left foot and read word wall words?

*Can they balance on their right foot and extend their left leg as they say the days of the week, months of the year, seasons, and so forth?

*Can they balance on their left foot and extend their right leg and read big books and classroom print?

*Can they balance on their toes and read big books and other classroom print?

FIDGET WIGGLE BREAKS

Someone once said that the mind can only comprehend what the seat can endure. Those of you who work with children clearly understand that if the children sit too long they will turn you off!! These activities can be done in a limited space with no special equipment or clothing. You’ll be surprised how having children move for a few minutes can reduce fidgets, energize their brains, and increase learning!

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.

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.)
Wiggle Willy!

 

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

Jumping Brains
Directions: 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.

Hint! Have children look at the second hand on the clock to see how long they can jump. Record the seconds. Each day practice “jumping” and have them record how their time improves.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y1UBTOFEzA


FIDGET SITTER BREAK
Children can release wiggles even in a chair.

My Bonnie Bounce
Directions: Sing the song called “My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean.” Every time you come to a word that starts with the /b/ sound stand up or sit down.

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.)

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


Going Crazy!
Directions: Don’t go crazy! Try doing this exercise with your students instead.

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.

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

HOCUS POCUS FINGER FOCUS

Finger exercises are a great way to calm children, focus their attention, and develop hand strength, coordination, and their brains!

Twiddle Your Thumbs
Demonstrate how to fold your hands and twiddle (rotate thumbs around each other) your thumbs.

*Unfold your hands and put the opposite thumb on top and twiddle.

Tap Them
Put palms together and tap one finger at a time starting with thumbs.



Spider
Open hands and touch fingertips. Bend in and out. Tap thumbs. Then tap index fingers, middle fingers, ring, and pinky fingers. Reverse.

*Roll each leg/finger forward and then backwards.

 

Click to view video

Balancing Act
Directions: Have children stand and follow along as they balance and increase mindfulness.

Feet together, close your eyes, (Close eyes breath in and out.)
And breath slowly in and out.
Open your eyes, (Balance on left foot.)
Lift your right foot and balance on the left.
Put your arms out straight. (Arms out wide as you balance.)
Now reach for the stars. (Arms up in the air as you balance.)
Place your right foot on the floor
And raise your left foot. (Balance on right foot.)...

Now close your eyes and slowly breath in and out.
Let your mind take you to a happy place.

 

Click to view video

Tony Chestnut
Directions: Point to the body parts as you sing. Sing each verse softer until you are doing the silent version.

Toe (Point to toes.)
Knee (Point to knee.)
Chest (Point to chest.)
Nut (Point to head.)
Nose (Point to nose.)
Eye (Point to eyes.)
Love (Cross arms over chest.)
You (Point to a friend.
Toe Knee Nose (Continue to point to body parts.)
Toe Knee Nose
Toe Knee Chest Nut
Nose Eye Love You
That’s what Toe Knee Nose.

 

 Click to view video

HAVE YOU GOT SOME "ISSUES" THIS YEAR?

Oh, my! You know we've always had behavior problems in our classrooms, but they seem to be escalating. Many teachers are spending so much time with a few children with "issues" that they don't have the energy to just "teach" and enjoy the other children. Sound familiar?

Is there something going on at home or maybe there might be too much screen time??? Whatever the problem is, you face it every day. I certainly am no expert and I don't have any magic potion, but over the next few days I'll share a few tips that might help.

Fidget Toys
A fidget toy can be a quiet outlet and satisfy children’s “need to move.” Some children just need something to “fiddle with” so that they can focus on the learning task. Keep fidget toys simple so they meet the need as an outlet, but don’t distract the child completely.

Brain Toys
Materials: shoebox, old socks

Directions: Get a shoebox and write “brain toys” on it. Take old socks, tie them in knots, and place them in the box. As needed, invite children to get a brain toy. They can hold it, unknot it, knot it, squeeze it, and so forth.

Hint! I think referring to these socks as a “brain toy” takes away from the negative implication.

Stress Button
Materials: poker chip, Velcro (hook side), strong glue (E6000 is my favorite)


Directions: Glue a 1” piece of Velcro to the poker chip. Children can keep it in their pocket and rub it when they feel stressed or their hands are wiggly.

Twisty and Bendy
Materials: pipe cleaners or bendy straws

Directions: Give children a pipe cleaner to twist and manipulate.


Mindful Morning
See what happens when you start your day by having children breath, relax, and move.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIq9TbaCokc

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TOOLS

I don't have a toolbox that will fix all your problems this school year, but I do have a few tools and tips that might help.


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.

Awesome Sauce(Marilyn Borden)
Get a pump dispenser of lotion and make a new label that says “Awesome Sauce.” When kids do something great give them a squirt!



I’m Done Jar (Deb Rocco)
Put pictures of activities that children can do if they finish their work (puzzle, etch-a-sketch, easel) on sticks. Place these in a jar that says “I’m Done.” When children finish their work they can choose a stick and do that activity.

FIDGET WIGGLE BREAKS

Someone once said that the mind can only comprehend what the seat can endure. Those of you who work with children clearly understand that if the children sit too long they will turn you off!! These activities can be done in a limited space with no special equipment or clothing. You’ll be surprised how having children move for a few minutes can reduce fidgets, energize their brains, and increase learning!

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.

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.)
Wiggle Willy!

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


Jumping Brains
Directions: 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.

Hint! Have children look at the second hand on the clock to see how long they can jump. Record the seconds. Each day practice “jumping” and have them record how their time improves.
                                                              
                                                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y1UBTOFEzA


FIDGET SITTER BREAK
Children can release wiggles even in a chair.

My Bonnie Bounce
Directions: Sing the song called “My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean.” Every time you come to a word that starts with the /b/ sound stand up or sit down.

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


Going Crazy!
Directions: Don’t go crazy! Try doing this exercise with your students instead.

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.

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

http://www.drjean.org/html/songs/Fidgets-index.php

DIY DISCOVERY BOTTLES

Let’s make a few bottles for the science center today. If you have children of your own, they will totally get “into” making these bottles. They are inexpensive, simple to make, and are a great way to model “recycling.” Just remember to glue the lids on (E6000) because the children might be tempted to do a little too much exploration!!

Note! These bottles will also come in handy if you have a child that who stressed or anxious. Just hand them a bottle and they will become engaged looking at the bottle and moving it around.

What? plastic bottles, E6000 (or super glue), common materials below

Why? observing, experimenting, predicting, focusing

When? Independent exploration

How? Take a look at the ingredients in the bottles below. What have you got in your kitchen or around your house? Well, what are you waiting for? Get busy and make some of these or come up with your own creations.

Mindful Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, old crayons, scissors

Directions: Take the paper off the old crayons. Make crayon shavings by scraping the side of the scissors. Put the crayon shavings in the bottle and then fill with water. Secure the top with glue. Turn the bottle upside down and then observe as the crayon shavings float around.

Party Bottle

Materials: clear corn syrup, food coloring, sequins or party confetti
                       
Directions: Put about 1/2 cup of corn syrup in the bottle. Add a few drops of food coloring and a spoonful of confetti. Roll the bottle around to coat the sides and watch the confetti move around.

*Make seasonal bottles by adding plastic spiders at Halloween or small heart erasers for Valentine’s Day.

Muddy Water Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, dirt, water
                                             
Directions: Put ½ cup of dirt in the bottom of the bottle. Fill 2/3 full with water.

Glue on the lid. Children can shake up the bottle and observe the dirt as it settles to the bottom.

Beach Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, sand, blue food coloring, small shells, fun foam
                                                                   
Directions: Put ¾ cup of sand in the bottom of the bottle. (Rinse the sand out until the water is clear.) Fill the bottle almost to the top with water. Add a drop of blue food coloring and the shells. Cut fish or other small sea creatures out of fun foam.

Wave Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, food coloring, baby oil or vegetable oil

Directions: Fill the bottle 2/3 full with water. Add several drops of food coloring. Fill the bottle to the top with the oil, and then glue on the lid. Slowly move the bottle on its side to create waves. Shake the bottle up and then observe as the oil and water separate.


Bubble Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, dish detergent, food coloring
                           
Directions: Put ½ cup of water in the bottle. Add a drop of detergent and a drop of food coloring. Glue on the lid. Shake up the bottle and observe.

What happens to the bubbles if the bottle sits for a while?

Variations: Use shampoo and different types of detergent to make bubble bottles. Which one makes the most bubbles?


I Spy Bottle

Materials: plastic bottle, sand, salt, or rice, 5-10 small toys or objects (crayon, eraser, hair bow, penny, counting bear, etc.)
                                                      
Directions: Fill the bottle 2/3 full with sand or salt. Drop the toys and other items into the bottle and glue on the lid. Shake to hide the objects. How many things can the children “spy” in the bottle? Have them draw pictures or write down all the objects that they see.

More! Make holiday bottles with Halloween toys, conversation hearts, spring things, etc.

*Use a larger plastic bottle (such as cheese balls or pretzels come in) and fill it with confetti or Styrofoam packing. Insert magnetic letters. Children write the that they find in the bottle.

FOCUS THOSE FIDGETS

FACEBOOK LIVE!

FIDGET FIXERS!

SATURDAY, 1/5 AT 1 (East Coast)

These are simple activities to calm children and help them self-regulate and focus.

Tighten and Relax
Directions: Help children release stress by tightening and relaxing different body parts.

Squeeze your hands tight as you can. Tighter. Tighter. Now relax.
Squeeze your toes tight as you can. Tighter. Tighter. Now relax.
Squeeze your arms…

Legs… Shoulders… Mouths… etc.

*Explain that when you say, “soldiers” they should stand as stiffly as they can. When you say, “rag dolls” they should flop over like a rag doll. Alternate saying “soldiers” and “rag dolls.”

Push the Wall
While waiting in the hall, have children put their hands up against the wall and push it as hard as they can.
*Have them stretch out their arms and do push ups as they count, say the ABC's, spell words, and so forth.

Balancing Bodies
Balancing requires no special equipment and is a powerful way to improve core strength and increase mindfulness. You can do this with any quiet music, or calm yourself by doing this video with your students.

                               

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

Balancing Act
Feet together, close your eyes, (Close eyes breath in and out.)
And breath slowly in and out.
Open your eyes, (Balance on left foot.)
Lift your right foot and balance on the left.
Put your arms out straight. (Arms out wide as you balance.)
Now reach for the stars. (Arms up in the air as you balance.)
Place your right foot on the floor
And raise your left foot. (Balance on right foot.)
Put your arms out straight. (Arms out wide as you balance.)
Now reach for the stars. (Arms up in the air as you balance.)
Place your left foot on the floor
And raise your right knee. (Lift right knee and balance on left foot.)
Can you bend your arms like a tree in the wind? (Move arms around.)
Place your right foot down
And raise your left knee. (Lift left knee and balance on right foot.)
Can you bend your arms like a tree in the wind? (Move arms around.)
Place your left foot on the floor.
Raise your right knee (Straighten right leg in the air and balance.)
And then stretch your right leg out straight.
Bend your right knee and place it on the floor.
Raise your left knee (Straighten left leg in the air and balance.)
And then stretch your left leg out straight.
Bend your left knee and place it on the floor.
Raise your right leg to the side. (Straighten right leg by side.)
Place your right leg on the floor.
Raise your left leg to the side. (Straighten left leg by side.)
Place your left leg on the floor.
Stand on your left leg. (Balance on left leg.)
Stretch out your arms. (Stretch arms out wide.)
Bend forward like an airplane. (Slowly bend forwards as you balance.)
Stand on your right leg. (Balance on right leg.)
Stretch out your arms. (Stretch arms out wide.)
Bend forward like an airplane. (Slowly bend forwards as you balance.)
Stand up on tippy toes. (Stretch up on toes and balance.)
Stand still for as long as you can.
Raise your right hand and place (Raise right hand and pat on back.)
It on your back and give yourself a pat.
Raise your left hand and place (Raise left hand and pat on back.)
It on your back and give yourself a pat.
Now close your eyes and slowly breath in and out.
Let your mind take you to a happy place.

http://www.drjean.org/html/songs/Fidgets-index.php

STICK IT TO ME!

Here are some simple teaching tools from jumbo craft sticks.

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.
                                           

Check out WORKSHEET AVENGERS for creative things to do instead of worksheets.