Please remember to type #ChampForKids with each tweet so we are all able to see. All questions will look like "Q1" which means question 1. Your response should start "A1" which means you're answering question 1.
Hey all, Steph Dill, elementary SPED T in Colorado. Physical movement in my room is going back to class after 30 minutes. Our time together is pretty fast and furious. #ChampForKids
Hello! Kaitlyn Ralston from Liberal Kansas I teach 2nd grade! We like to move in my class with activities and dance breaks! Yesterday looked a little like this though.. 🤪#champforkids
A1: Brain energizers are anything that gets our students (and ourselves!) out of those ruts we experience where, no matter how hard we may try, we simply can't pay attention, absorb any information, etc. It's like a jolt of caffeine! #champforkids
Hey there, #champforkids . I'm peeking at the chat tonight as I prep my materials for #AMLE2018. 6th grade reading/ELA teacher in IN. Also on fall break!
A1: When I think about a brain energizer, I think of Go Noodle. My Ss do it everyday to give their brains a break from all the hard work they do! #ChampForKids
A1: Something to stimulate our students' thinking and make them curious to an extreme level. A lesson or catch to bring them to thought Nirvana. #champforkids
A1: When I hear "brain energizer" I think of those Low Flpor High Ceiling tasks that @openmiddle is so great with... Something that gets everyone working their brain at their level! #champforkids
A1: brain energizer makes me think of an exciting way to get class started for the day. My Ss were complaining that “bellringer” was too boring so I challenged them to come up with a new name. This could be it 🤔 #champforkids
A1: Brain Energizer - something that is going to get the brain moving and producing. We have to keep that muscle going strong to do all if it's improtant work. #ChampForKids
A1 When I think of brain energizer the first thing that pops into my head is music 🎼🎸 but anything could be an energizer if it gives students a break #champforkids
A1: Never heard that exact term before, but I like it! I assume Brain Energizers are exciting and wake the brain up for optimal learning. #champforkids
A1: It makes me think of the Energizer Bunny. Hahaha. But seriously, why not? There are times where we need to activate our mind and get them going and going and going. #champforkids
A1 Brain energizers get kids thinking! Our goal is to push their thoughts, show them how to be innovative, and watch the magic that happens! #Champforkids
I think of a "Brain Energizer" as something that makes the kids stop and look like this. And they talk about it leaving class, in the next class, at lunch, and the next day....and MAYBE come up with an answer. #champforkids
A1b - I agree with getting kids excited right away. This is often overlooked, but it plays a key role in learning. First impressions are huge. #ChampForKids
A1-I believe it is something that gets the brain active and also adds some emotion and motion. My students love a fine coffee mug cheers and even milk carton cheers at breakfast #champforkids
A2: "Brain Energizers" are important for students because they need active components to breakup lessons, commercials if you will (but like the awesome superbowl ones).
#champforkids
A2: At the end of the day, they are KIDS. They need stimulation in different ways, and we need to provide that for them in conjunction with content. #champforkids
A2: Positive brain energizers get students going...thinking, wondering, the energy is so much that they cannot sit still. Negative are cool downs and slow downs. #champforkids
A2: Kids are built for action. Sitting still, not talking and idle is not a natural kid "posture". If we want them to remain connected, we need to find ways to keep them active. #champforkids
A2: The brain is at a disadvantage when we don’t allow students the movement their brains and bodies are craving. Learning sticks better, so we teach further, when kids can move. #champforkids
Brain Energizers are good for Ss because it re-awakens their curiosity, their passion for figuring things out, and their excitement for learning. The same brain chemicals are used for learning and pleasure. Learning IS DESIGNED be fun! #champforkids
A2: This weekend at a workshop, I was told to have more of the conversations that leave me filled with energy, and start to abandon the ones that leave me feeling drained.
I think learning is the same - Ss should leave with more energy than they came with, not less #champforkids
A2: I think brain energizers are important because it gives Ss a chance to rest their brain and get their bodies moving. I wouldn’t want to sit all day doing tasks at 7 years old. Kids need to move and brain energizers are fantastic for that. #ChampForKids
A2 - Mark @LevineWrites will laugh. Here is my list.
1. Breaks up class
2. Promotes movement
3. Increases socialization
4. Encourages free thinking
5. Reduces stress
6. Releases endorphins
7. Makes kids 😀
8. Makes us 😊
#teachpos#ChampForKids
A2 - Mark @LevineWrites will laugh. Here is my list.
1. Breaks up class
2. Promotes movement
3. Increases socialization
4. Encourages free thinking
5. Reduces stress
6. Releases endorphins
7. Makes kids 😀
8. Makes us 😊
#teachpos#ChampForKids
a2 With their constant notifications in HS, they may be experiencing all kinds of distracting emotions. We need to draw them in with happy, interesting thoughts. #champforkids
A2: If they don't have opportunities to stop & make meaning out of what we've taught, no flashy lesson will work. They have to "digest" what we've been taught. Making it novel, active, and/or social is developmentally responsive and provides what the brain craves. #champforkids
A2: Ss need to learn how to take a moment to help their brain and body refocus. I did this today during a meeting. I was listening and focused, but also doing a brain energizer while playing flow for my break to stay better focused. #champforkids
A2- simply put we don’t have enough time in education so everything we use our efforts on has to have learning value. This isn’t to say we don’t have social learning or even incidental learning but it has to have a meaning. Time we cannot buy #champforkids
A2 - Brain energizers act as small movement breaks which help facilitate greater cognitive understanding and allows ss an opportunity to process info. #Champforkids
A2: Our Ss work so hard all day- they need moments to pause & reflect and give their brains a chance to “refuel” so they can keep doing amazing things #champforkids
A2: I was always told taking a break and going for a walk would help get things done in a shorter amount of time and would be more quality work. If we work our Ss brains so hard without a chance to stop and energize it then what type of learning are they achieving? #champforkids
A2: kids are KIDS!!! They need movement - heck, I need movement! These brain energizers give them time to stop & focus on wiggles so they can go back to learning. #champforkids
A2: Our Ss work so hard all day- they need moments to pause & reflect and give their brains a chance to “refuel” so they can keep doing amazing things #champforkids
A2: kids are KIDS!!! They need movement - heck, I need movement! These brain energizers give them time to stop & focus on wiggles so they can go back to learning. #champforkids
A2-Not everyone is ready to learn all of the time. A lot happens in the day of a kid. If we were to shadow a kid through everything they do in a day, I bet your highlight would be a teacher who took a break for a brain energizer! #champforkids
A2 Brain Energizers are important for students when they need a break from thinking or a change of pace when they are frustrated or overwhelmed #ChampforKids
Brain Energizers make kids WANT to get up...because they've been so blown away that they have to walk it off while exclaiming "Wow That's Fantastic!"..or whatever WTF means........ #champforkids
A3: Too often we don't get near enough movement throughout our day, especially our students. It can make such a difference to infuse activity or brain breaks throughout the day.
#champforkids
A3: Again, they're KIDS! As adults, we need that physical movement also, just to wake up our bodies. An awake body = an awake brain. We're better equipped to teach, they're better equipped to learn. #champforkids
Hummm... we joke about leaving class every day with a slight headache from thinking so hard. So I put on happy music and they're mood changes really fast. #champforkids
A3: I know I need movement all the time, otherwise my brain drifts off. So I know if I need it my Ss do too. I am more willing to participate when I feel engaged and we get engaged by moving around and having fun. #ChampForKids
A3: Movement keeps people engaged and connected to what is happening within presentations and activities. If we want people to be lulled to sleep, let them sit quietly and be disconnected. #champforkids
A2 & 3: I tend to power through class. We all need movement to reboot our focus and creativity... I’ve really got to be more mindful of this... #champforkids
A3: Movement gives us balance. We need time to reset our balance between body and mind. When our brains get tired, our bodies follow. When our bodies get energized, our brains follow. #champforkids
A3: this makes me think of the quote from #empowerbook - how are Ss using their 400 minutes per day? Are they sitting and working in quiet or moving having meaningful interactions and learning from each other? #ChampforKids
I do different activities that aren't physical in nature but that do make my brain work in different ways to help take those breaks and keep it going strong. Kids need the same things - not always movement, but different thinking. #champforkids
A3 - Again, our bodies were made to move. Every bit if research is grounded in kids being active. Positivity and active learning set the tone for how much students enjoy class. Also, watching kids smile and laugh is a great recipe for loving our jobs. #ChampForKids
A3: It definitely promotes positive social skills! For example, dancing, playing games, exercising are all opportunities for positive interactions. #champforkids
A3- #ChampforKids I have seen some amazing stuff in elementary classrooms with movement and math. I think we need to do more of it in all levels. So much you can do with measurement, calculation, and movement.
A3 - Simple - data both shows and supports that ss learn better when given opportunities to move their body. For some, it provides opportunities to relax and others are re - energized and ready to tackle the next obstacle or academic challenge! #Champforkids
A3: Movement allows us to get the blood flowing to all the parts of our body - it can help us relax, be silly, encourage teamwork, and help us accomplish things we’ve never done before. #champforkids
A3: Movement keeps us healthy. I have a clotting disorder and must stand and stretch and walk every hour to get my blood circulating - why shouldn’t that be the norm for everyone? #champforkids
A4: "Brain Energizers" can help with class community through collaboration and by simply completing the tasks together. There may may be chances to explain things or help one another.
#champforkids
A4: Letting your guard down and being open in front of others (which sometimes means being silly!) allows your heart and mind to be open to people different than you. #champforkids
A4: Learning leaves us vulnerable. We might fail or fall short in front of our peers. Learning in social, active, novel ways builds a sense of community and belonging, the "we're all in this together" that's necessary for real learning to happen. #champforkids
A4: Brain energizers offer a time to just be ourselves, be more social, get out of our comfort zones. Community thrives on such movement and risk taking.
#champforkids
A3: While muscle memory is good, at times it can hinder also. We need to help our brains and bodies think and move in different manners to keep learning going strong. #champforkids
A3: we have to have some movement in life and as an administrator I remind teachers to move. If you don’t you can’t get to everyone and connect. My favorite line is teach like a crazy uncle dances at a wedding. I am that uncle #champforkids
A4: In the classrooms that I have visited that incorporate movement, the community chemistry is much stronger because there is a greater focus on communication between students outside of normal friendship circles. #champforkids
A4: they get Ss interacting and discussing - these discussions could be great for teachable moments about respect, having conversations, listening etc..#ChampforKids
A4: Letting your guard down and being open in front of others (which sometimes means being silly!) allows your heart and mind to be open to people different than you. #champforkids
A3. There is a correlation between positive thinking and living healthy. For example, happier employees leads to less absenteeism, happier kids perform better #champforkids
A4: Being silly together builds community. Letting people see you be yourself is a risk and risk taking builds community. Most importantly, community is built when devices are away and smiles are out #champforkids
A4 - Still love Maslow for his list. Kids need to feel accepted and wanted in class. Any activities that promote socializing and movement will enhance the “self-esteem” of our students. #ChampForKids
A4: Being silly together builds community. Letting people see you be yourself is a risk and risk taking builds community. Most importantly, community is built when devices are away and smiles are out #champforkids
When you've created a "brain energizer" moment, Ss can't help sharing it! Got a problem from @Mathgarden that I shared with 2 classes. Suddenly the whole school was doing it. #champforkids
A1: Brain energizer means making learning fun. As an instructional leader it means making school fun and engaging. Check out our 80s moves 😂😂😂. #champforkids
A4: it allows Ss to show each other that they can be silly. Often times Ss get labeled as “shy” or “super smart” or “crazy”. I’ve noticed my most quiet kids show me their personality when they are doing a movement that they love. #ChampForKids
A4: everything is better with a friend and a group of friends makes a party and enough people at the party doing the same thing is a community where everyone has a spot. Some need another to show them #champforkids
A4: I love being silly with my Ss, even middle schoolers appreciate when I dance with them. They are blown away when I know the latest dance moves, or allow them to teach me the latest moves 😂😂 #hotmess_express#champforkids
A5: @GoNoodle works for all ages! @mrs_norkus247 turned me on to using that, even for my "too old" 8th graders. Sometimes it's as simple as "stand up and shake it off." #champforkids
A4b - I can’t keep track of all the great activities that promote the social engagement for students. Just getting them up to music and dancing can transform the class. #ChampForKids
A4: Opportunities to collaborate in order to complete tasks, academic or socially based. They bring people together when they overcome obstacles & celebrate successes. Helps to decrease walls that may have been put up and increase smiles that were hidden #champforkids
A4: Brain Energizers can "change" the Playing field and allow students to see and expereince thier peers in other ways. Self-confidence new peers to go to for suppoort. #champforkids
A4 - Brain energizers allow for student interaction and can help facilitate positive student relationships! Generally, ss are happier and more focused when given brain energizers. As a result, the culture is more positive and cooperative for ALL! #Champforkids
I do “The Graphic Organizer Dance”... Triangle-Square-Square-Square-Triangle... Insert the Quote... Parenthetical Citation... Indent Five Paragraphs... #champforkids
A5: I do a lot with Go Noodle....dancing, partner activities where they have to be silly with someone. Sometimes when Ss transition to other centers I may change things up such as: walk like your favorite animal, etc. Last year we did Hula Friday! #ChampForKids
A2: Children need to move to get oxygen to the brain and in the process maximize learning. Teachers are encouraged to move and engage students with activities that allows children to move. This is a writing lesson. @4thBruni#champforkids
A5: I have yet to find the perfect balance between body and mind. We do stand up and sing-karaoke style where I post a video with lyrics and we sing...
#champforkids
A5 - card game jumping jacks, super handshake, pass the pos, shap’s slayers, white board pass, etc.., I’ll create a google doc and share this overvtge next day or two. #ChampForKids
A5 - card game jumping jacks, super handshake, pass the pos, shap’s slayers, white board pass, etc.., I’ll create a google doc and share this overvtge next day or two. #ChampForKids
Thank you #ChampForKids for the great chat tonight! Thank you @khoggardGRT for having me! Enjoy the rest of your week and keep crushin' it for all of our kids!
A5: I love GoNoodle, but we also get up and move throughout every lesson with a variety of avenues such as Kagan Structures, acting out our vocabulary, dancing to share we have the answer, and much more. #ChampForKids
Switched up the style of the unit. Doing projects now instead of tests. More students are engaging with material because it was their choice. #champforkids
A3: If it’s difficult for us to remain seated for a long time can you imagine children? Children need constant movement and power teaching and activities that allow for movement. As part of our scope and sequence, we monitor for these activities. #champforkids
Be sure to join us next week for #champforkids! Craig Shapiro (@Shapiro_WTHS) will be leading the discussion on Getting Them Excited! You don’t want to miss it; trust me!
A5- we also play a lot of silent ball to pass the time. Kids sit on desks and pass a tennis ball around. Bad throw, you’re out. Ball hits the ground, you’re out. You talk, you’re out. #champforkids
A5: @GoNoodle seems to be a favorite, guess the song, hot seat, dance party battle are all “brain energizers” that incorporate movement as well #champforkids
Guy leaves his home and walks due south. Turns 90 degrees left. Walks. Sees a bear. Turns left 90 degrees....runs...straight back home. What color is the bear? #champforkids
A5 - I’ve been fortunate and worked with some great teachers at several different schools like @paeseagulls and @vbHolland! I’d always see them use @GoNoodle as a brain energizer or provide a brain energizing corner in their rooms with 🎲 rolling breaks. #Champforkids
