Energizers & Activities

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Energizers are quick, whole-group activities that get students moving, breathing deeply, laughing, thinking, and working together. Energizers give students mental and physical breaks from rigorous academics, provide a fun way to transition between activities, help students refocus their attention, and create opportunities for students to connect with their teacher and each other. In middle school, energizers are referred to as brain breaks.

For energizer and brain break ideas, check out Energizers! 88 Quick Movement Activities That Refresh and Refocus and Refocus and Recharge! 50 Brain Breaks for Middle Schoolers.

You can find our latest articles on energizers and brain breaks below.

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Child & Adolescent Development Positive Community SEL Skills

Restoring the Developmental Lens in K-12 Education

Children are complex, growing human beings—each on a unique developmental journey. In Yardsticks: Child and Adolescent Development Ages 4—14, Chip Wood reminds us that teaching is not just about managing ...

Families Positive Community Whole School Community

Resources for Educators and Parents Guiding Children Through Traumatic Events

Our appreciation for social media grew quite a bit when we asked "Educators, how was the day?" on the Responsive Classroom Facebook page on Monday afternoon, and over 100 people responded. We were so glad to hear from you! Your stories reflect the range of what elementary educators are going through this week after the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Engaging Academics Uncategorized

The Nation’s Report Card Is a Call to Action

Dear Valued Community, The National Assessment Governing Board, the independent, nonpartisan board that sets policy for the Nation’s Report Card (NAEP), recently released the results from the 2024 assessment for ...

Energizers & Activities

Everything You Need to Know to Use Morning Meeting at the Start of the School Year

Activity Ideas Elementary School Energizers & Activities Message Ideas Morning Meeting

Everything You Need to Know to Use Morning Meeting at the Start of the School Year

Closing Circle Energizers & Activities

Closing Circle

Six Tips for a Successful Midyear Check-In With Students!

Energizers & Activities

Six Tips for a Successful Midyear Check-In With Students!

Inclusive Education: Boost Equity With Morning Meeting & Advisory

Energizers & Activities Morning Meeting Responsive Advisory Meeting

Inclusive Education: Boost Equity With Morning Meeting & Advisory

Improving Academic Outcomes Using the Responsive Classroom Approach

Energizers & Activities Engaging Academics Morning Meeting Movement Breaks Responsive Advisory Meeting

Improving Academic Outcomes Using the Responsive Classroom Approach

What Is Your Favorite Part of a Responsive Classroom Course?

Morning Meeting Rule Creation Teacher Language

What Is Your Favorite Part of a Responsive Classroom Course?

Four Ways to Include Families at the End of the Year

Energizers & Activities Joyful Classrooms Morning Meeting Special Times in the Year

Four Ways to Include Families at the End of the Year

Quick Ways to Recognize and Celebrate Every Student at the End of the Year

Energizers & Activities Joyful Classrooms Special Times in the Year

Quick Ways to Recognize and Celebrate Every Student at the End of the Year

Five Ways to End the School Year With Joy!

Energizers & Activities Joyful Classrooms Morning Meeting Special Times in the Year

Five Ways to End the School Year With Joy!

Use Responsive Advisory Meeting to Lend a Helping Hand

Responsive Advisory Meeting Special Times in the Year

Use Responsive Advisory Meeting to Lend a Helping Hand

Inviting All Winter Holidays Into the Classroom

Families Morning Meeting Special Times in the Year

Inviting All Winter Holidays Into the Classroom

Empowering Educators to Get to Know Their Students: A Conversation with Authors Andy Moral and Heather Young

Adolescent Development Classroom Organization Discipline Elementary School First Weeks of School Middle School Morning Meeting Morning Meeting Movement Breaks The First Weeks of School

Empowering Educators to Get to Know Their Students: A Conversation with Authors Andy Moral and Heather Young

Peanut Butter, Grape Jelly Song

Brain Breaks and Motivators Energizers Energizers & Activities First Weeks of School Morning Meeting The First Day of School Whole School Gatherings

Peanut Butter, Grape Jelly Song

Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Wait Until After School!

Energizers & Activities Positive Community Teacher Language

Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Wait Until After School!

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