Energizing Brain Breaks

Part I. Individual Brain Breaks Arm Stretch Arm Wrap Choir Director Different Direction Circles Index Fingers Different Direction Circles Thumbs Ear and Nose Switch Elbow to Knee Stretch Elbow to Knee Tap Patterns Figure Eights Finger Aerobics Patterns Finger Aerobics Ripple Finger Tips I Bet You Can't Do This Inch Worm Stretch Lap Tap Palm Tapping Paper Twirling Pretzel Outline Index Fingers Pretzel Stretch Fists Right On Left Balance T Stretch Thumb and Pinkie Touch Your Fingers Behind Your Back Twisted X Bob and Wiggle Part II. Partner Brain Breaks Bizz Buzz Five Hand Shake #1 Hand Shake #2 Hook Ups Letter Spots Number Spots Addition Number Spots Multiplication Rock, Paper, Scissors, Math Addition Rock, Paper, Scissors, Math Multiplication Rock, Paper, Scissors, Math Negative Say 21 and Win Slap Count and Say 21 and Win Slap Count Letters Slap Count Numbers Going Down Slap Count Numbers Going Up Ten Thumb War or Peace Part III. Group Brain Breaks Gotcha Let it Rain Passing out Papers Snowball Wave Clapping Patterns Wave Motion X's and O's

"We use Energizing Brain Breaks in our teacher workshops so they will use them with their students. They enjoy the break and activity as much as their students do!" -- Sue and Randy Pippen, Educational Consultants "This book is AWESOME!!! I feel that every teacher should have one in their classroom. Not only does it give the students a quick break, but they get excited about them. It also has so many choices: whole group, individual, partner, and small group. No matter the age, any student can perform most breaks." -- Kathleen Richards, 5th Grade Teacher "Energizing Brain Breaks is an excellent resource for quick, simple, and challenging activities that students can do to activate their brain for more optimal learning. Many of the activities were developed by students, for students and really engage the adolescent brain. This is the resource that teachers need to get their students moving in learning." -- Jean Blaydes, Educational Consultant/Speaker "Energizing Brain Breaks is a great teaching tool. I use it daily with my kids. They LOVE the short activities and get so excited. One of their favorites is 'Gotcha.'" -- Judy Sterling, 2nd Grade Teacher "Physical movement and academic learning should not be separated. Research shows that physical movement and exercise are beneficial for the brain and learning. Dave Sladkey regularly incorporates movement in his high school math lessons, which helps to make his classroom a vibrant learning atmosphere. I strongly encourage every classroom teacher to use this book as a resource to transform your classroom into a place where students are alert and ready to learn at their full potential!" -- Bill Wiesbrook, Principal "Dave's book is a terrific way to refocus and energize your students in the classroom. I have used his brain breaks in all kinds of settings and every time people smile, laugh, and have fun. This is a must have in any teacher's classroom and in any administrator's meeting!" -- Scott Miller, High School Math Teacher/Instructional Coordinator "I have witnessed the effect of brain breaks in the classroom. After a simple minute or two, students become re-energized and re-engaged in the learning process. Thank you Dave Sladkey for creating a book that simplifies the process of selecting them and understanding them." -- Paul Zientarski, Founder "I have successfully used Brain Breaks with my school staff and these strategies also have the potential to enhance students' learning by breaking the lesson into bite-sized chunks, and then turbo-charging the next part of the lesson. On reflection, this important strategy is rarely taught to preservice teachers and it is an area of teaching that can imperil not only the efficacy of the lesson but the teachers' status in their classrooms." -- Neil MacNeill, Headmaster