Brain Break!!

This was my project today!  I haven't tried all of these with my kiddos yet but so far "Name Moves", "Trading Places", and "Line up challenge" have turned out successful.  I plan to add more into the mix that are shorter such as 10 jumping jacks, push ups, stretches, or other physical activities.  Anytime I can add in skip counting or subject matter questions into the brain break time it is really rewarding.  The kids love when they get to try new things, compete in games, and simply get out of their seats to use all the energy they have stored up!  Sometimes these can make the room a little rowdy but I have found it truly helps the students to focus more on their work when they get a chance to shake their energy out and have a break. Plus it only takes 1-5 minutes to complete most brain breaks so it does not take much away from your valuable instruction time.  

Take a look:

Feel free to comment and share any brain breaks you have used or know of!  

I am ALWAYS up for new ideas! 

Happy Wednesday,

Mrs. Utt

Add the word "party" to the end and it's a win!

Whole Group Behavior Incentive:

Over Christmas break I found this idea on Pinterest and decided to try it. 

The kids are working towards a Hot Chocolate Party!  They think it's going to be way more exciting then it will be but that's ok.  Like I said in the title if you add the word "party" to anything the kids think it's going to be great!  This is a good trick because our hot chocolate party will only take about 30 minutes out of the academic day but they will get rewarded for their good behavior by enjoying a nice warm cup of hot chocolate during this wintery weather.  I'm thinking we will do some sort of writing activity with it as well.  The kids earn marshmallows by lining up correctly, being on time, working hard as a whole group, and when they get compliments from other teachers.

Happy Teaching!

--Mrs. Utt

 

Hello Again Blogging World...

I recently found/remembered I had blogged during student teaching.  It has been a while and I am not the most consistent blogger but I would really like to start it up again.  This year I have been teaching 2nd grade. It has been an incredible experience and I am so excited to be doing something I love. 

 I am teaching at a private christian school in the Saint Louis area.  The community I am able to be a part of is incredible.  The school year is flying by and honestly it feels like I have been doing this my whole life.  When I was student teaching and thinking about having my own classroom I was really nervous and wondered anxiously if I could handle it and what it would be like.  It is an extremely challenging career but it is such a rewarding experience.  There have been many days where I have to stop and pray for patience and wisdom but the Lord never fails to provide those for me. 

On this blog I am going to share my daily challenges and rewarding moments.  I will also share activities we are doing as a class.  Many of my creativeness comes from Pinterest but I will be glad to give credit to those who deserve it and occasionally I will have time to come up with an original idea.  

Please "join this site" and become a follower of my blog.  I would love any advice or comments you have regarding my posts.  Thanks you for reading.  :)

--------------->Mrs. Utt