“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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JAN
16
2024
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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JAN
10
2024
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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MAR
23
2010
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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MAR
15
2010
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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MAR
08
2010
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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MAR
02
2010
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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FEB
24
2010
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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FEB
16
2010
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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FEB
09
2010
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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SEP
18
2009
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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FEB
01
2009
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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MAR
25
2024
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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OCT
06
2023
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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OCT
06
2023
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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OCT
06
2023
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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OCT
02
2023
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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SEP
28
2023
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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MAR
24
2023
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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NOV
30
2022
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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MAY
06
2022
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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FEB
25
2022
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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DEC
31
2021
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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