Boys, Boys, Boys!

It is the year of the boys in my classroom!  I have 13 boys and 8 girls.  This is possibly the most active class that I have ever had.  Even the girls are active!  On the first day of school when I had almost a fist fight break out because the boys were all fighting over my sports books, I knew I was in for it.  On the playground each day, you don't see many of my kids on the actual playground.  They are either shooting hoops, playing soccer, or throwing the football.  I've even see them just plain running old fashioned races around.  Amazing. So, I had to kick my brain in gear to keep these active kids from crawling out of their skin during the day.  I decided to strategically place brain breaks in my day so they are getting up and moving at least 3 times a day, if not more.  Most activities are a minute or so and none are more than 3.  I have found that these brain breaks have become a vital part of our day.  The kids are more engaged in the time before and after the brain breaks and are helping to keep my sanity as well as theirs.  I found Stephanie from Third Grade Thoughts had these adorable brain breaks cards.  I have also found lots of short video clips with fun activities to do.  I have created a "Brain Breaks" pin board on my Pinterest Page.  You can check them out here.

Happy Brain Breaking!