{"id":4028,"date":"2017-01-02T09:46:29","date_gmt":"2017-01-02T14:46:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teacherlists.com\/blog\/?p=4028"},"modified":"2024-01-11T14:43:18","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T19:43:18","slug":"15-ways-to-get-kids-moving-in-the-classroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teacherlists.com\/blog\/15-ways-to-get-kids-moving-in-the-classroom\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Ways To Get Kids Moving and Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ah, winter. Its shorter days and subzero temperatures typically mean one thing for kids: loads of pent-up energy just dying to be released\u2014which often leaves teachers feeling helpless within the confines of indoor recess and only one gym class a week.<\/p>\n

Research shows that when students incorporate movement into their school day,<\/a> it has positive effects on their concentration levels and classroom behavior, and it increases their chances for overall academic success. Plus, many kids even benefit from moving while<\/em> they learn!<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve rounded up 15 of our favorite classroom tools and activities that will kick cabin fever right out of your classroom this winter.<\/p>\n

1. Put together a fidget toolbox<\/a><\/h2>\n

At one time, fidget spinners were quite the craze. When used properly, “fidget” tools can actually support students’ attention and learning rather than distracting from it. Keep a fidget toolbox handy for kids who could benefit from this type of tool.<\/p>\n

Suggested supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Koosh ball<\/a><\/p>\n

Pencil toppers<\/a><\/p>\n

Tangle toy<\/a><\/p>\n

Sensory processing toys<\/a><\/p>\n

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2.\u00a0Measure around the room<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Challenge your students to measure a variety of things in the room\u2014chairs, desks, doors, windows\u2014using yard sticks and rulers.<\/p>\n

Suggested supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yard sticks<\/a><\/p>\n

Rulers<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3. Use alternative seating options<\/a><\/h2>\n

Give your students the option of sitting on the floor, sitting on a wobble stool, lying on a rug, or standing near a table instead of sitting at traditional desks only.<\/p>\n

Suggested supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wobble stools<\/a><\/p>\n

Stabili-T-stools<\/a><\/p>\n

Beanbag chairs<\/a><\/p>\n

Peanut balls<\/a><\/p>\n

Balance Balls<\/a><\/p>\n

Desk cycle<\/a><\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

4. Do jumping jacks to practice math facts<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Have students team up in pairs. One person does a certain number of jumping jacks. Then, the second student does a second number of jumping jacks. The first student must then multiply the two numbers together and give the answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

5. Attach \u201cBouncy Bands\u201d to students’ desks<\/a><\/h2>\n

This allows kids to release energy while improving concentration.<\/p>\n

Suggested supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bouncy Bands<\/a><\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

6. Reward students by letting them use a standing desk during a lesson<\/a><\/h2>\n

Or, call out \u201cStand for five<\/a>!\u201d to let kids know that they must work standing up for five minutes.<\/p>\n

Suggested supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Standing desk<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

7. Have a math sticky note scavenger hunt<\/a><\/h2>\n

Hand out math problems and post the answers around the room for kids to find.<\/p>\n

Suggested supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Post-it Notes<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

8. Play find-the-question<\/a><\/h2>\n

Write questions related to your lesson on index cards and hide them under kids\u2019 chairs ahead of time so they must get up and find them throughout the lesson.<\/p>\n

Suggested supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Index cards<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

9. While lining up, jog in place<\/a><\/h2>\n

This helps children\u00a0focus and get their energy out without bothering one another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

10. Reward students with a game of traffic light dance<\/a> or extra recess<\/h2>\n

Encourage movement instead of giving a pizza party as a prize for achieving classroom goals.<\/p>\n

Suggested supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Red, yellow, and green paper<\/a><\/p>\n

Craft sticks<\/a><\/p>\n

Glue<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

11. Make an activity jar<\/a><\/h2>\n

Fill up your jar with movement ideas such as \u201c10 squats\u201d or \u201c7 jump-ups.\u201d Pull one out when kids are running low on energy and need a boost.<\/p>\n

Suggested supplies:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Plastic jar<\/a><\/p>\n

Index cards<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

12. Play fitness dice<\/a><\/h2>\n

Roll these dice every hour and have kids do the fitness activity that comes up.<\/p>\n

Suggested supplies:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fitness dice<\/a><\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

13. Bring learning outdoors<\/a><\/h2>\n

If you live in area that\u2019s relatively warm year-round (or happen to have an\u00a0 unseasonably warm winter day), make it a habit to take lessons outdoors whenever you can.<\/p>\n

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14. Play Would-You-Rather as a class<\/h2>\n

Designate one side of the classroom for one option and the other side for the second option. For example, ask the class, “would you rather own an aquarium or own a zoo?” and those who want the aquarium would go to one side of the room, and future zookeepers would go to the other. This is a great indoor recess activity, but it can also be used to introduce units in class, such as the next reading assignment!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

15. A tried-and-true kid favorite: Dance before or after a lesson<\/a><\/h2>\n

Play a YouTube video<\/a> (search Brain Breaks\u2014there are tons of options!) or use GoNoodle<\/a> to get kids warmed up for a lesson or to boost energy after the lesson is over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n