Brain Breaks

You may have heard your kids talking about "brain breaks." These are fun and engaging exercises that we do in our classroom. They usually last between 1 and 5 minutes and are just a good way to refocus or transition our class. There has been much research done on how these breaks actually increase student learning. See the picture below.

 The kids love them, and I definitely see a difference in how they attend afterwards. There are many ways that you can implement brain breaks, but since I am focusing on integrating technology this year, I deliver my brain breaks via the SmartBoard in various formats. I have found that in implementing these via technology, students are more engaged in the activity. I have found that this is a great way to incorporate technology in an active way. Most people associate the implementation of technology as something that requires little or no physical activity from students. I have found these brain breaks as a great way to combine the too!

This is an example of a brain break video we have used below:

If you are interested in learning more about brain breaks please see the following links below:

Action for Healthy Kids

Brain Breaks

Integrating Technology into Math Class

In our math class, we have a game day every Friday to review the skills that we have been working on during that week. This is a great time to integrate technology into our instruction. Not only does this technology motivate and engage students, but in participating in these online math games and activities, students are becoming more "computer literate." In navigating these activities, students are becoming more comfortable with technology. As we all know, these children are growing up in the age of technology. It is important that as teachers and parents we help expose children to technology as much as possible so that they will be able to keep up with our modern society.

  Located below are two links that we have been using during math game days to work on our math skills. I encourage you and your child to explore these sites further at home. In doing so, your child will not only get practice with math skills, but will also have meaningful interactions with technology in the process.

Math Game Links:

Arcademic Skill Builders

Fun Brain Math Arcade