I am a longtime fan of keeping our kids moving and grooving so that they feel better and do better.
And now that I’m back in the classroom, brain breaks are my fave.
Add a little yoga to the brain break mix, and I’m the happiest teacher of ’em all.
Yoga brain breaks? You got it.
Thanks to fit4Schools fitFlow cards and their super-cool Slideshow of Yoga presentation, my students and I have been taking yoga brain breaks each day for the past few weeks, and I really think my first and second graders are doing better because they feel better.
For your information, friends, it’s not easy to feel good about school in May, especially if you’re a first or second grader. I mean it–these little guys and gals are Done. D-O-N-E. Done.
They are done with school and ready to be outside in the sunshine.
So any time I can give these little people a break to move, breathe, and unwind, I will.
Here’s the skinny. . .
Yoga Brain Breaks — Use fitFlow to Teach Kids Yoga Moves
We all need to move.
Our bodies need to stretch and reach and twist and hang so that blood flows and muscles grow and oxygen reaches all the parts of our body that need it.
Our little guys especially need to stretch and reach and twist and hang, but unfortunately, much of our normal school day isn’t catered to that particular need. That’s why I absolutely love the idea of taking quick breaks throughout the day to let our students move.
Yoga brain breaks don’t have to be long or complicated excursions; rather, they’re quick. They’re simple. They take 3-5 minutes, and students simply stand behind their seat. The don’t even have to go outside or go to the gymnasium.
Here’s how I use fitFlow to Teach Kids Yoga Moves
Day 1: I let the kids try one of the fitFlow cards.
I used the fitFlow cards for teachers and students, and I simply projected a card on my Promethean board.
I demonstrated each of the simple moves and talked students through taking one deep breath during each pose. I said,
You got this, friends. Once you are comfortable in your Mountain Pose, then you breathe.
In through the nose, 1-2-3. . . and out through the mouth, 1-2-3. . .
Day 2: I showed students the quick Slideshow of Yoga presentation.
Most were familiar with what yoga is and why it is important, but this quickie presentation captivates, educates, and activates them!
Day 3: I tried another fitFlow card with students.
We took a 3-minute break during our reading block to relax, recharge, and improve our mood.
They were getting better at yoga!
Day 4: I printed out the Seven Poses Handout, laminated it, and posted it in a quiet corner of our room.
I wanted students to have a calm place to go if they needed a minute to relax, recharge, or improve their mood.
By this time, they were becoming familiar with the poses, so they could understand the drawing–and hey!–and they were reading to clarify what the pose meant.
I love it! Reading is a whole lot more than just opening a book, and I tell my students that all the time.
Some students asked if they could have a copy of the Seven Poses, so of course I sent them home with their own copy. I love that they will be able to continue their fitFlow at home!
Day 5, 6, and beyond:
I try to give the kids a fitFlow break every day, especially now that the sun is shining, the days are warmer, and so many of these little guys are having a hard time sitting during class.
It’s also testing season for schools, so the stress levels are still pretty high for students.
Do you remember that weird feeling you’d get when you were in school in May or June? When schedules started getting all crazy because of extra assemblies or farewell picnics? When teachers started wearing jeans to school more days than not? When the decorations you were used to seeing for eight months started coming down off of the classroom walls? When the “end of school year” countdown went up on the chalkboard?
All this change isn’t easy for students.
Even though they’re psyched for summer, it’s still a change.
Change is sometimes difficult.
It’s stressful.
And yoga–actually, any kind of moving and grooving to get little bodies going–helps.
Are you loving fitFlow like I am, or what?
If so, then take a minute to look at the rest of the fit4Schools site. There’s a ton to use.
I wrote all about it here:
And, please consider passing along this rock-star fab sweepstakes that teachers can enter and share with their students:
Are you a currently employed full- or part-time educator in an accredited public or private K-12 school in the US? YES? Then you can WIN big. . .
Teachers need to enter by May 25, 2018! This sweeps is open to all who are currently employed full- or part-time as an educator by an accredited public or private K-12 school in the United States.
All teachers have to do is enter and they will possibly win a Rainy Day Kit, a For the P.E. Teacher Kit, a Classroom Active Seating Kit or a Flexible Seating Kit! Teachers can select the prize kit of their choice if selected. There will be 30 chances to win!
Teachers can win:
The Rainy Day Kit Includes:
- A giant tower game
- A physical activity BINGO set
- Clever Catch™ activity balls
- A set of fitBoost cards
- Plus loads of other indoor get-moving games and activities including hula hoops, a dance CD, beach balls and more
For the PE Teacher Kit includes:
- 6 SST™ Scooters
- 24 ACTION™ ToppleTubes™
- A huge parachute
- A set of fitBoost cards
- Plus all of the balls, Frisbees, jump ropes and more to make your P.E. class awesome.
The Classroom Active Seating Kit includes:
- 3 ergoErgo chairs
- 6 BALLance™ stability balls
- A Yze standing desk
- A set of fitBoost cards and Brain Breaks activities
The Flexible Seating Kit includes:
- Tabletop standing desk
- Mogo active seat
- Active seat cushions
- Deskcycle—you have to try one of these!
- Stability ball chair
- Stability ball set
Go on–enter!! And good luck!
Friends, what do you think of fit4Schools? I’d love to hear it!
Please, after you check out the fit4Schools site and resources, please forward this post or a link to fit4Schools to your child’s classroom teacher or administrative team.
Or, share this post on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or Facebook. Anywhere that works for YOU!
The more we emphasize this kind of education, the healthier our children will become!
fyi: This post was written as part of a partnership with fit4Schools and WeAreTeachers. I have a working relationship with WeAreTeachers, which means I occasionally am asked to try products or services to share with you; however, as always, my opinions and ideas are my own, influenced only by my experience as a parent and educator.
teacher appreciation gifts for all of your kids’ teachers
