Using GoNoodle to Support the Workshop Model

There is no doubt about it, the workshop model is a form of best practice that many of us educators practice.  What is the workshop model you ask?  The workshop model is a teaching structure that allows students to take charge or their own learning.  This structure is composed of three parts: Mini lesson, Work time, and Reflection/Debrief.  Through this structure students learn to have a growth mindset and to be responsible for their own learning.  As the teacher, we are able to work with students individually and in small groups in order to provide learning at each student's zone of proximal development.
So how do you keep students on task and using their growth mindset during reading, math, and writers' workshop?  Well, engaging lessons for one thing.  Choices during work time for another, but the one thing that supports not only the students' attentiveness, but also the teacher's is GoNoodle.
Over the years, as I have developed a stronger workshop model in my classroom, I have learned that GoNoodle is the piece that holds it all together.  Let's walk through the three components so that I can explain which videos I use and why...shall we?!?

Mini lesson

My goal with my mini lessons is to hook my students, but keep them working toward the lesson outcome...enter Maximo and Think About It.  These two channels are packed with videos to keep my kiddos engaged in my mini lesson.  I love that both channels also allow us to set an intention.  I often use the language used in the Think About It videos throughout the day to remind my students of their learning potential.

Work Time

As we transition from the mini lesson to work time, I make sure to do two brain breaks, one to get the wiggles out and the second to calm the students back to a focused learning state.  My go to for wiggle release is Koo Koo Kanga Roo, and lately, the Trolls Can't Stop this Feeling.
Right before starting my conferences and small group instruction, we typically use the YouTube channel.  I have been able to add content specific songs and dances that connect directly to our learning targets.  There are tons of fabulous math videos that reinforce counting, numbers pairs, place value, and so much more.
Did you know that you can add your own videos to GoNoodle?  Just head to the YouTube channel, click on the top left box, and add the YouTube URL from the video of your choosing.
As students work, and I meet with students, I am able to monitor their noise and frustration level and determine if we need another GoNoodle break.  I love using Dance Party as a quick way to refocus the whole group, and I love getting up and dancing, too.  Plus, who doesn't love seeing their champ pop into the dance party?!?!  I even added my son's champ to my class's Dance Party for this reason.

Reflection/Debrief 

The reflection can often be forgotten in lessons, but I have learned that it holds just as much value as the other two pieces of the workshop model.  The reflection allows students to have a sense of closure from the lesson, and it allows the teacher to formally and informally observe where the next lesson is going to go.  As a class, we rewatch our Think About It from our mini lesson and reflect on the intention that we initially set.   This has taught my class that there is a purpose to our brain breaks.  We don't just do them to do them.

I am so grateful for the sanity that GoNoodle brings to my classroom on a daily basis!  Do you teach using the Workshop Model?  What are your go to GoNoodle channels and videos?  You can also head over to the GoNoodle Community page, on Facebook and share your ideas there.

GoNoOdle

It is that time of year...the kids are crazy with Spring Fever and an incredible about of learning still needs to take place.  I firmly believe that students need to focus and apply themselves, but there must also be time to take a break and let learning sink in.  Throughout the years, I have used Brain Gym, breathing techniques, stretching, etc. to provide students with breaks throughout their day.  I have seen success with these tools, but nothing compared to my newest find...
GoNoodle!!!

Oh my goodness!  GoNoodle is incredible!  This site/tool has a wonderful variety of songs, dances, games, and so much more.  It is also FREE!  Best of all, my kids LOVE it!  They constantly ask, "If we focus and finish can we GoNoOdle?"  There is no way I can say "no" to a question like that.  Who would want to say "no" when the activities support students with their ability to focus, release excess energy, as well as support their physical and mental health?

GoNoOdle in action!

Be sure to check it out.  I would love to know how you and your students react to this tool.

GoNoOdle!

Yoga In and Out of the Classroom

Like all of you, I love my job!  I love it so much I let it take over my life sometimes.  Although, I have been teaching for 8 years, I seemed to have entered the career at a difficult time, like many professions. This has caused each spring, of not knowing if I have a position the next year,  to be ridiculously stressful.  Two years ago, I hit an elevated stress level my body couldn't handle.  I tried adding extra walks with the dog, more sleep, and a closer look at my diet, but wasn't feeling better.  I knew I needed to do something to relieve my stress.
I had been seeing more and more articles about yoga, so a-reading-I-went.  I started reading Yoga Journal and other publications to better myself with the benefits and terminology.  I even began playing around with poses on my Wii Fit.  It wasn't until I built up enough courage and entered a local studio that I started to feel better.

We are fortunate in this day and age to have yoga studios all over the place, but finding a studio that makes you happy can be tricky.  I chose a small studio that had a family like feel and offered a variety of classes.  I was quickly hooked and feeling better than ever.

Yoga has taught me that making time for "me" is essential, but more importantly that everyday is practice.  It is practice that makes us stronger and ready for tomorrow; something that I teach my students.
Since yoga has opened the door to a more balanced life, for me, I knew that incorporating it into my classroom was essential.  I started by introducing breathing techniques to help my students that struggle with self-control.  By counting their breaths in and out my students learned that stopping and focusing on their breath made the frustration disapate.  This took crazy amounts of practice, but it was well work the time.  The quality of self control my 1st graders gained was incredible.

The ABCs of Yoga for Kids is a fun book that shows a great variety of poses.

I have also been an active user of Brain Breaks (more to come).  What better time to incorporate yoga than Brain Breaks?  One Brain Break and position that my students have come to love is eagle.  I began by teaching my students eagle arms which allows both brain hemispheres to be stimulated simultaneously.  This pose builds coordination, balance, concentration, and stamina, all traits I want my students to possess.

During Brain Breaks, I also have my students practice stretching.  I have found this absolutely vital to do before sitting down for Read-to-Self and Writers' Workshop.  The stretching allows students to let go of their tension before committing their concentration to one discipline.

I am so grateful for what yoga has done for my student and I.  I would love to hear from those of you that have found yoga to be beneficial in and out of your classroom, or if you have any questions for me.