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SHAKE OUT-In the middle of a lesson, have students stand up an shake out all their stress. Maybe add music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xG7mH8i-WE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCWnVznnWcs
MUSIC- Play energizing music when students walk in during attendance. Play themed music for each unit. Music is also great when students are working on assignments, free-writing, bell work, during a lab, as a silence filler, or soundtrack for a unit! Maybe allow the students to help choose and encourage students to either sing along, just listen or get up and dance or move! Another idea: choose an artist that has an interesting background/story or incorporate it with your lesson. Ex: During AAPI history month, play different AAPI artist each day.
WOULD YOU RATHER QUESTIONS- https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/would-you-rather-questions-for-kids/ https://www.signupgenius.com/groups/would-you-rather-questions-teens.cfm
BRAIN BREAKS- You as the teacher can decide OR choose a student to monitor when the class needs a break (must be after at least 15 minutes of instructions and no more than 2 per period and no less than 10 minutes in between breaks) Brain breaks can be anything: get a drink, walk down hall, stretch, mindfulness activities, exercise, etc.) https://www.weareteachers.com/brain-breaks-for-kids/
INSPIRING QUOTES- Teacher or student led quote of the day- can journal or discuss after. Ex: "I am learning to use the space between my goal and my fear to excite and not terrify me." Share quotes that goes with the lesson or motivation of the day. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/inspirational
TAKE A WALK- Take the students outside for a short walk. Have them pay attention to what they see, feel, hear and smell and share upon returning. Connecting with nature and the senses is a fantastic way to reset.
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAYS- Start the week with a short inspirational story, video, music, or poem. Who doesn't need motivation on Monday!? Have each students email the teacher their favorite short motivational video and have the students pick on each week.
MOVEMENT BREAKS- Every 15 minutes have the students stand up and move. It can be stretches, yoga poses, calisthenics, dances or physical challenges.
GREETING EACH OTHER- Jog or walk around the room and high 5 each person and greet them. Stand at the door and give each student a compliment.
FUNNY VIDEOS- Teacher or students find funny videos/demos to show when the class needs a break or when things get too serious/intense. Play when kids come into class, or when they need comical relief. Play try not to laugh... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOFGdRmN70k&list=RD-Cv4qOyz0dA&start_radio=1&rv=-Cv4qOyz0dA
RAPID FIRE ACTIVITY- As fast as possible go around the class and have each student say one thing that is bothering them/stressing them out. No discussion or analysis, just letting it out and go. Variation-Rapid fire fun questions: Pick a question of the day and have each kid answer quickly. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/101-fun-and-interesting-questions-to-perk-up-boring-gatherings_b_8861970
COMEDY- Take a minute to let students or teacher share a funny story or jokes. Have a "bad" joke of the day (posted/shared daily). Try funny story Friday!
SHARE A TALENT- Have students share a talent (in person, video or slides) in one minute or less. Have students prepare ahead of time and share when the class needs a break.
ART- Have teacher or students draw cartoons, designs, pictures on board. Combine art with a motivational quote! Have coloring books/sheets and turn on music and allow kids to create/color and share. Give the students a word and let them draw what comes to mind.
1-2-3 GOOD MORNING or AFTERNOON!- Start each period with an enthusiastic and loud- Good morning or afternoon! And have them repeat it back energetically.
SING- Find a catchy song to sing and have the students join you! You will be surprised at how many join in. It is also a fantastic way to help students memorize information. Have them pick a song and change the lyrics to what they need to memorize and share! Sing the alma mater as a class each Friday for spirit!
DANCE- Have a theme and dance: Disco, Cha Cha, Break dance, etc. Maybe have a student teach/lead a dance or dance moves.
ROCK PAPER SCISSORS CHALLENGE- Best of 3 rounds, winners advance.
THEMED DAYS of THE WEEK- Motivation/Mindful/Mindset Monday, Tell me something good Tuesday, Work out your brain/Wellness Wednesday, Talent show/thankful Thursdays, Figure it out/Fun Fact/Fitness Friday or share a highlight from the week or something the students are looking forward to for the weekend.
SIMPLE BETS- Create challenges with students
DAILY NEWS UPDATE- Events, pop culture, TV shows, news...
ICEBREAKERS- Find fun ways for students to learn more about each other like two truths and one lie. https://www.signupgenius.com/school/icebreaker-activities-middle-school-high-school.cfm
MINUTE TO WIN IT- https://www.thepragmaticparent.com/12-minute-to-win-it-games-for-kids-at-school/
BRAIN TEASERS- https://parade.com/1025639/marynliles/brain-teasers/
GAMES- Such as Scattegories, Pictionary, Charades, Simon says,
BALLOON GAME- Teams of 3 or 4: Goal is to keep the balloon in the air as long as possible without touching it. Nothing is allowed to physically touch it or come up with any other variation.
BASKETBALL- Using your trash can, ask review questions and when a student answers it correctly, they get to try and shoot a basket with a ball/crumpled up paper/airplane. Split the team up into 2 teams and make it a competition. Take a shot Tuesday-shoot a ball into the hoop and win a prize!
TEAM BUIDING ACTIVITIES- Cooperative games that are fun and challenging! http://www.georgiaodyssey.org/wiki/team-building-exercises/
SPEED DATING EXERCISE- Frame a series of questions and have students discuss for 1 minute and they move down the line and have a new question to discuss with a new partner.
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR DINNER LAST NIGHT? Or ask a question everyone can answer at the beginning of class.
FUN KAHOOTS- Find one already made or create your own! https://www.weareteachers.com/kahoot-ideas/ https://create.kahoot.it/search?query=Fun&tags=Fun&filter=filter%3D1
SING HAPPY BIRTHDAY- For each student's birthday or 1/2 if their birthday is in the summer.
CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS- Celebrate and cheer student accomplishments (extra-curricular and academic). At the end of each week have kids share each other's accomplishments from clubs, extra-curriculars and also share what games, activities or club events are happening on the weekend.
MUSICA MIERCOLES- Music with a fun activity every Wednesday.
BAILE VIERNES- Dance/movement activity every Friday: Salsa, merengue, line dance to Spanish music.
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