Movement
incorporating movement breaks throughout the school day has many benefits to in enhancing student mental health and clarity
Movement Breaks Using Digital Platforms
There has been an enormous amount of research exploring the benefits of movement and the impact it has on mental health. This is especially true for primary age students who have a lot of energy!
Take a look at what exercise does for our mental health!
Digital Platforms for Exercise in the Classroom
Here are 3 digital platforms you can use to enhance the mental & physical health of your students with short movement breaks throughout the day:
#1 GoNoodle
#1 GoNoodle is an online exercise video platform-
Pros:
01
Easy Transition
GoNoodle can be broadcast right on to the smartboard or a whiteboard by a projector. The movement activity can be done right in the classroom so that the transition is quick and easy.
03
User Friendly
Accessing GoNoodle is as easy as searching it up on youtube. You also can go to their website.
02
Videos are short
These videos won't take too much time from your lesson plans, but will give ample opportunity to get the blood flowing and wiggles out!
04
Variety
There are a variety of movement exercises, from workouts to cardio to yoga! There are so many videos to choose from!
Drawbacks:
01
Fresh Air Not Included
Exercising in the classroom is great, but moving to a video in a classroom isn't providing fresh air.
02
Over stimulation
Some students in the class that have sensory issues may be over stimulated by the volume and colours of the GoNoodle videos.
#2 Just Dance
First-Rate Materials
"Just Dance" was originally a Nintendo game but can now be found on YouTube. They are dance videos with AI characters that show the students how to dance to the song.
Here are some pros and cons:
-Pros:
1. Videos are easy to find- all you have to do is search 'Just Dance' on YouTube and the videos will come up. If you want to search for a specific song you can do that too!
2. Fun Songs-The songs are pop songs that students are familiar with which makes the dance more fun!
3. Promotes self esteem- sometimes kids are hesitant to move their body because they feel like they don't know how to dance. These dance videos give them a template of how to move while allowing them freedom of expression.
Drawbacks:
1. Preview first- preview the video first to make sure the content is age appropriate. Some dance moves may be too difficult and we want the students to feel like the dance is achievable.
2. Creativity stifled- since the dance is all laid out for the students there is not much allowance for individuality and creation of dance moves.
3. Sometimes not intense enough- if teachers want a cardio movement break, some of the songs may not provide too much movement. Again, a preview of the song is best.
4. Pop up ads- have the video already cued and use the kid friendly version of Just Dance.
#3 Seated Yoga
Seated Yoga Pros:
Seated Yoga Pros:
#1 Small Space Friendly
students can participate in this movement break while sitting at their desk.
#2 Calm Vibes
movement breaks don't always have to be fast and crazy. This platform allows for some calm grounding and deep breathing.
#3 Breathing Focus
focusing on breathing promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves mental clarity.
Drawbacks of Seated Yoga:
#1 'Read the Room'
As an educator it will be your responsibility to determine whether your class needs a grounding movement break or a fast paced cardio break. Not all students will be able to regulate themselves to calm down for this activity. (practice is key!)
#2 Limited Poses
Seated yoga limits the types of yoga poses you can do with your students. Full body or ground poses are limited due to space.
