Boom Chicka Boom: A Quick, Fun Energizer

“By incorporating play throughout the school day, we can help these students feel more connected to school and their community of peers, and more comfortable participating in academics.”     Read More…
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Free Calming Energizer Sample

Energizers are playful activities that provide a structured way for students to engage with one another. They can be energetic or calming, both of which give students a mental and Read More…
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Free K-2 Energizer Sample

Students can become restless during the school day—squirming in their seats, whispering, or passing notes—especially after long periods of academic lessons. Incorporating movement activities throughout the day helps students refocus Read More…
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50 More Energizers! Purposeful Play That Leads to Learning

Play is the first language of learning and the key to actively engaging students. Purposefully integrate play into your classroom routine with energizers—quick, whole-group activities that support academic and social-emotional skills while…
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Energizers! K-6

A few minutes of playful moving, laughing, chanting, or singing promote more—and more productive—learning.  
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Energizers! Energizing with the Dinosaurs

This clapping chant is fun for K–3 students anytime, but especially when they’re studying dinosaurs! Called “Dino Dinner Chant,” it’s from Energizers! 88 Quick Movement Activities That Refresh and Refocus, Read More…
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Energizers! Spelling Stroll

Energizers are usually more about giving children quick movement and breathing breaks than they are about academics. Still, it’s possible to work in a little academic practice, as long as the focus…
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Energizers! A follow-the-leader activity for all ages

Children of all ages enjoy "Dum Dum Dah Dah." In this quick movement break,  a leader establishes a pattern and the group chants or sings the words as they echo the leader's…
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An Energizer with an Academic Twist

“Interruptions” gets students up and shaking out the cobwebs—while enhancing their listening and literacy skills in a fun way! It’s especially good with K–3 students, but older children may also Read More…
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Energizers! Double This Double That

Many of us are longing for spring, but it’s still February! It’s a great time to perk up your class with quick energizers sprinkled throughout the day. Here’s one called "Double This…
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Energizers! Tips for Using Energizers

Last week, I encouraged you to work energizers—quick breaks that get children moving, breathing, and having fun together—into your classroom day. Energizers are great ways to get children refreshed and refocused on…
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Energizers! Using Quick Movement Breaks in the Classroom

During the long winter months, when children may experience less physical activity and movement, try sprinkling in some energizers—quick breaks that get children moving, breathing, and having fun together—throughout the day. These…
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Energizers! — Shark Attack

Last spring, an intrepid group of Northeast Foundation for Children staff members, including several Responsive bloggers, volunteered to demonstrate a few of the activities in Energizers! 88 Quick Movement Activities Read More…
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Quick & Lively Energizers

You know it instinctively, you see it every day in your classroom, and brain research supports it: Children learn better when we give them mental and physical breaks from intensive instruction. Just…
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Academic Engagement in the Home Stretch

You’ve made it to the last few months of the academic year! From spring fever to state testing, there are lots of reasons why students might need a nudge to stay engaged…
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Singing with Children: Tips for Teachers

I remember singing along with friends in my elementary school days. Teachers and students together began each day with singing. We learned about music from our music teacher, but we sang everywhere,…
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New City School K-8: A Responsive Classroom School from the Start

Location: Minneapolis, MN  Type of school: Public charter school  Grade levels: K–8  Number of students: ~400   A Responsive Classroom school since: 2003     New City School has been a Responsive Read More…
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Beverly Skoff Elementary: Focusing on Belonging, Significance, and Fun

Location: Bolingbrook, IL Type of school: Public elementary school Grade levels: K–5 Number of students: 730 A Responsive Classroom school since: 2018 In the summer of 2018, Beverly Skoff Elementary Read More…
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Movement Activities That Help Learners of Every Age Refocus

An increase in wiggles and whispers or holes torn in papers from too much erasing can be important clues that your students are beginning to reach their individual or developmental Read More…
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How to Support a Guest Teacher During a Teacher’s Absence

Throughout the school year, there will be times when you will be absent. Whether your absence is planned or unexpected, prepare for these instances at the beginning of the school Read More…
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Be Persistent and Consistent: Five Strategies for Keeping Students on Track

Take a moment to pause and reflect on your students and their success in keeping on track academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. What factors influence their success? The subject matter? Read More…
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Training Courses


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Improving Academic Outcomes Using the Responsive Classroom Approach

The most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (often referred to as The Nation’s Report Card) was recently released. The results made clear that today’s students are struggling with both Read More…
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Workshops


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Five Ways to End the School Year With Joy!

The end of the school year is approaching, and with it comes a flood of thoughts and emotions, from relief to reflection to anticipation of summer’s promise of rest. One Read More…
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Teaching Diversity Beyond Black History Month

Growing up, I always looked forward to Black History Month at my public school in New York City. My teachers taught lessons about Black people who made notable contributions to Read More…
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Seven Tips for the Transition Back to School From Winter Break

For so many teachers and students, returning after winter break can feel like the first day of school all over again. The routines, rules, and procedures that were once so Read More…
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