I teach art, music, and leisure, so my classes are almost 35-minute-long brain breaks in themselves! However, my students have either incredibly short attention spans, or incredibly short fuses--or both!--and need frequent breaks. Over the years I've developed an arsenal of ways for them to have meaningful break time whenever needed.
1) My Cozy Corner is new this year and a big hit. It is in an area behind my student bookcases, and is outfitted with all sorts of cozy features, including twinkle lights, fidgets, and pillows. Even my middle school boys love this area!
2) This was my first 'early finisher' station in art. It holds a variety of paper-based activities. I freshen it up seasonally, and throw in any leftover spark work (beginning of class activity), too.
3) I added my sensory boxes when I noticed how much some of my kiddos with severe autism enjoyed sifting through my button bin. Now we have rainbow rice, rainbow noodles, buttons, pom poms, you name it! Each box also holds 2-3 cups, scoops, spoons, and funnels. My middle school boys are also big fans of these. The toys on the bottom are for my littlest kiddos.
4) Next are my task boxes. These are short tasks--some similar to workshop boxes, others similar to file folder games. These are not as popular as the other options, so I am considering a re-organization to have fewer out at a time to free up some space and hopefully freshen their appeal when they *are* out.
5)My last area is a hodge podge! From upper left: paper punches (my scraps are on top of the purple paper holder which is above this shelf)--Kids LOVE THESE. (Again, especially middle school boys! LOL) Next comes my play-doh area--another one I've had around since the beginning and a sure winner. Underneath it are some textured building blocks and file folder activities.
6) I also LOVE GoNoodle and use it frequently! Their free section is an AMAZING resource, and includes everything from mindfulness, movement, and games.
1) My Cozy Corner is new this year and a big hit. It is in an area behind my student bookcases, and is outfitted with all sorts of cozy features, including twinkle lights, fidgets, and pillows. Even my middle school boys love this area!
2) This was my first 'early finisher' station in art. It holds a variety of paper-based activities. I freshen it up seasonally, and throw in any leftover spark work (beginning of class activity), too.
3) I added my sensory boxes when I noticed how much some of my kiddos with severe autism enjoyed sifting through my button bin. Now we have rainbow rice, rainbow noodles, buttons, pom poms, you name it! Each box also holds 2-3 cups, scoops, spoons, and funnels. My middle school boys are also big fans of these. The toys on the bottom are for my littlest kiddos.
4) Next are my task boxes. These are short tasks--some similar to workshop boxes, others similar to file folder games. These are not as popular as the other options, so I am considering a re-organization to have fewer out at a time to free up some space and hopefully freshen their appeal when they *are* out.
5)My last area is a hodge podge! From upper left: paper punches (my scraps are on top of the purple paper holder which is above this shelf)--Kids LOVE THESE. (Again, especially middle school boys! LOL) Next comes my play-doh area--another one I've had around since the beginning and a sure winner. Underneath it are some textured building blocks and file folder activities.
6) I also LOVE GoNoodle and use it frequently! Their free section is an AMAZING resource, and includes everything from mindfulness, movement, and games.
Comments
Post a Comment
Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment! I always check out content creators who leave links to their sites, so please share!