Brain Breaks with GoNoodle

GoNoodle is a free website that can be found at www.GoNoodle.com and can be accessed from any classroom or home.  GoNoodle works with Common Core subject experts to create brain breaks that develop memory and fluency in math, spelling, and vocabulary in the form of videos and activities.  The videos offers great flexibility for what will work best in your classroom.  Videos can vary in length from a few short minutes, to ‘indoor recess’ videos that can last as long as fifteen minutes. There are many high-energy videos to choose from, as well as relaxing options such as yoga. There is enough content to last the entire school year.  The videos and activities are engaging for students of all grade levels, and new content is frequently added to the website.

As educators, we implement GoNoodle in our classroom as often as possible.  GoNoodle can be used as a classroom inventive to encourage students to have self-control in the classroom knowing a brain break will be given at the end of class.  GoNoodle also offers healthy competition between classes and grade levels.  As students complete more activities on GoNoodle, their level builds and increases.  Classes can compare their achievements, which motivates them to continue to earn GoNoodle time in their classroom.
GoNoodle can be used as an energy-outlet that combines students’ interests with kinesthetic movements that promotes healthy bodies and active minds.

Challenges or Obstacles:

• Finding the time during the day to fit GoNoodle into a classroom routine may be difficult.  While many videos are short, time is often limited during the school day.
• In order to effectively use GoNoodle, a projector or SmartBoard would work best in the classroom.  Because not all schools have this available technology, it could be difficult to use GoNoodle consistently in the classroom.
• Strong classroom management is also key to having a successful GoNoodle experience.  While GoNoodle is a fun activity, students still need to understand your classroom expectations.

Benefits and Successes:

• GoNoodle gets kids active during the long school day.  Students are often sitting for long periods of time during the day, and this gives them a chance to release their energy.  It is also an excellent outlet for those students with busy bodies.
• GoNoodle is also a great way to create a safe, fun classroom environment.  It gives students and teachers a chance to take a break and enjoy each others company.
• GoNoodle promotes healthy competition between classes, and in-class incentives for students.  GoNoodle encourages students to be the best they can be.

 

Submitted by: Amy Rummel, Amira Abunadi, Michelle Drysch, East Chicago Urban Enterprise Academy