Refocus And Recharge 50 Brain Breaks For Middle Schoolers

These quick, easy-to-learn activities give students much-needed mental and physical breaks, plus safe, structured ways to interact with peers. As a result, students are refocused and recharged and can more fully engage with the content you teach. Some brain breaks, like "In the Bag," are calming and reduce stress; others, like "Twisted Brain," energize bodies and minds. And you can use brain breaks anywhere, anytime! This handy book includes: Clear, easy-to-follow instructionsTips for successSample words and actionsSuggested variationsReproducible handouts

The fastest way to keep your students engaged It′s an all too familiar sight: that glazed look in your students′ eyes. They′ve been sitting or listening for too long. What they need is an Energizing Brain Break--a quick physical and mental challenge that′s like hitting the refresh button on your computer, but for your students. This practical full-color flip book contains 50 highly effective, classroom-tested brain breaks that you can put to immediate use across the grades. No preparation or supplies are required; just one to two minutes of your time when you see a need. You′ll find pictures, directions, and online videos for activities such as: Slap Count Letters: students alternate slapping each other′s hands while spelling a word Rock, Paper, Scissors, Math: partners reveal a certain number of fingers to each other, and the first person to add them together wins Bizz-Buzz: groups of students count from 1 to 40 using a combination of numbers and words There′s no better way to help students remain sharp and alert, reenergized to take on the next task of learning!

When the language we use with our students is positive, clear, and purposeful, our classrooms are transformed. This practical book focuses on five types of positive teacher language: Envisioning languageReinforcing languageReminding languageRedirecting languageOpen-ended questions Book features: Guidelines for using each type of languagePractical tips to strengthen your use of languageNumerous examples to use as modelsCharts to help you track your progress

Transform Advisory into Responsive Advisory Meeting with structured, purpose-driven plans to build relationships, develop communication and social skills, and support and extend academics.Developed from research with middle school students and teachers in rural, suburban, and urban public middle schools, each plan is designed to meet students' needs for belonging, significance, and fun while helping them build skills and explore their interests.

Run meetings that educators look forward to and leave feeling invigorated. Interactive structures make staff meetings, study groups, and other PD sessions more engaging, meaningful, and productive. Easy to do and to lead, the learning structures in this book have been honed by facilitators in Responsive Classroom workshops. You'll find ideas for large-group brainstorming, small-group problem solving, partner idea exchanges, and much more. Use them to: Introduce new materialDeepen understandingReflect on learning and develop action stepsAssess comprehensionSolve problems collaboratively Includes a guide to help you choose the best structure for the adult learners in your group, practical tips for success, variations to keep things lively, and examples showing each structure in action.

Keep your students focused and engaged Do your students’ eyes glaze over when they have been sitting or listening for too long? Do your colleagues yawn during meetings? The remedy for these scenarios is to use brain breaks—quick physical and mental activities that are perfect for transitions and help learners re-focus and refresh. Proven by research to aid in cognition and retention, brain breaks are great for all ages, including adults. Teachers love David Sladkey’s bestselling Energizing Brain Breaks. In More Energizing Brain Breaks, Scott Miller provides new activities that challenge the mind and get the body moving. With an easy-to-use flipbook format, this resource features: 50 new quick activities from which to pick and choose Plenty of variety, including individual, partner, and group activities Activities suitable for all grade levels, as well as college and adult professional learning There is no better way than a brain break to help students remain alert, energized, and ready to take on the task of learning!

These tried-and-true learning structures encourage all students to do their best learning, stay fully engaged, and work with one another in dynamic, purposeful, and respectful ways. Discover new ways to meet the developmental needs that young adolescents have for movement and socializing while helping them meet lesson objectives in any content area. Samples of learning structures include: Consensus Mapping: Small groups of students work together to identify and reach agreement on the main ideasDebate Duos: Pairs of students learn to respectfully debate both sides of an issue and consider multiple perspectivesJigsaws: Small groups of students explore content in greater depth and then share their new knowledge with others Book features: Step-by-step instructions for every structureBrief descriptions of each structure in actionExamples of learning goals for each structureVariations and reproducible handouts for many structuresA quick guide so you can easily find the right structure for your lesson

This book provides 101 easy to use activities, designed to help you reach any student, despite what part of the brain they are operating from. This book provides activities that can help calm, focus, or energize your students!