K Brain Breaks

Brain breaks are so important to incorporate throughout your day.  I use some strategies like the Kagan Formations game. (You can learn more about Kagan Strategies for your classroom by clicking Kagan Online.) A formation game is where the kiddos are split into two groups (or you can do whole class) and then they work with that group to create shapes and words.  They do this holding hands and standing. When introducing the formation activity I start off by asking the kids to make a shape such as; circle, square, triangle.  When they have the concept down I make it a little tougher. I ask them to build a letter that represents a sound.  For example, I might say build the beginning sound for the word dog.  Of course the groups would have to work together to build a "d".  Did I mention they have to do all of this WITHOUT talking!  We do beginning, middle, and ending sounds.  (I took photos of this on Friday but wouldn't you know that I left my camera at school! Ugh!) My next move is going to be having the whole class work together to build sight words.  I can't wait to see them try that.

Another type of brain break that my class LOVES is dancing.  We dance often.  Below is a clickable link to You Tube that I have recently found.  The kiddos love to dance with Sid from Ice Age, copy the movements of the dog and the hippo.  Click Sid Shuffle and Dog and Hippo to see these great brain break activities.

(Word to the wise: There is also a Gummy Bear song on this link. DON'T play the Gummy Bear song until you have seen it.  I do not think it is appropriate for K.)

Well, I guess that is enough from me tonight! I hope you enjoy the Sid Shuffle!
I would love to hear how you use brain breaks in your classroom?