As teachers, we know that our students come to us, from a variety of situations that may or may not be conducive for learning. Yet, despite this challenge, we come up with ways to get our students focused and attentive to the task at hand. No small feat to be sure! For today’s tech snack, I want to share an easy to use tool that can increase your students focus and energy so that they may be ready to tackle the many demands that are put on them throughout the day.
Today’s tech snack can be found at the following url: http://gonoodle.com
What is it and how can I use it in my class?
GoNoodle provides short videos that encourage bursts of deskside physical activity or “brain breaks” for kids. These brain breaks are designed to be used by the entire class simultaneously, using a projector or an interactive whiteboard. These activities promote health and fitness and are based on cutting edge brain research. These engaging games and activities provide short bursts of movement leading to improved focus and energy within the classroom.
To start using gonoodle, you need to create a free teacher account. Then pick a class mascot( cartoon characters on the screen). The class mascot will “grow” as you do different brain breaks. Once the mascot has maxed out his growth, you can pick a different mascot to “grow” with. After you pick your mascot, you can select from a number of different videos to share with your students. If you click on tags, you can see the different kinds of videos available. They are calming, energizing, dance, yoga/stretching, sport/exercise, Common Core aligned, and game activities.
What are the benefits of using this tool?
All brain break activities are based on science and brain research that indicates that movement helps increase focus and mental capacitiy. See below for a graphic provided by gonoodle to see the benefits:
Ah delicious! Time for a brain break to help with the cabin fever my son is feeling during this crazy winter...........until next time at the café.