A MIND-BLOWING CLASSROOM MUST-HAVE . . . AND IT'S FREE :)

I have to take a moment to tell all you alls about a FREE classroom resource that I just so happened to stumble across.  GoNoodle definitely peeked my interest immediately when I read about what it had to offer.  This interactive break break Web site has wonderful graphics and really kid friendly elements. I definitely liked what I saw.  Well, I decided to give it a go with my kids this week . . . and . . . it completely BLEW MY MIND.  This one quick and easy addition after our post-lunch period totally revolutionized my afternoon run with the babes.  Seriously folks.  I ain't just blowin' smoke.  What transpired within my four little walls was absolutely magical.  Just take a little look-see . . .

Smiling, moving, and engaged . . . BOOM!
Thanks GoNoodle :)

We tried this for the first time on Tuesday.  I created a class account during my lunch break (it takes minutes) and got the projector all warmed up.  After story and share time, I broke up the "sitting" and fought the lunch food coma with an introduction to GoNoodle.  The kids were greeted with the screen below . . . the graphics had 'em hooked in immediately! 

We clicked play and we chose to roll with a Zumba dance activity.  The song "Move It" came on and cheers erupted.  

My babes were totally engaged and all smiles.  They worked all of those wiggles out and focused on getting those dance moves down.  

After Zumba, we transitioned back into our afternoon math routine.  I handed them a subtraction fluency drill and they did beautifully.  The rest of my afternoon was smooth sailin' for sure.  Talk about all smiles . . . FROM THE TEACHER :)  

Since it was such a success, I just had to bring it back on Wednesday during that dreaded post-lunch period.  When the screen came up the kids hooted and hollered {mmmm . . . I think they like it}!

This time we tried out Bodyspell.  We just so happen to be studying long a vowel teams and they had the perfect version for us (they have oodles of different spelling options).  

They loved this . . . and so did I :)
They are spelling CLAY!

Just as I was about to exit out for the day, I happened to scroll down a bit and they saw this . . . 

OMGOSH friends . . . my babes freaked and begged to try it out.  Well, we aim to please in Room 13, so I clicked immediately.  This is what happened.  My crew was in heaven and my heart melted. 

I know what you're thinking . . . Dolling, you're crazy!  How do you get 'em back after the Happy Song???  Oh, there is a way.  An oh so easy way.  GoNoodle has calming brain breaks too.  Here's a picture of my crew one minute after the Happy Song.  

Here's the break Airtime in all it's glory.
Breathing, focused, and calm.  Sigh :)

Following this run, I had the BEST afternoon that I've had all year long.  They were engaged, focused, and happy as all get out.  I am a believer.  

Here's why I am SO happy about the discovery of GoNoodle.  A little background {if you will} on where I am coming from.  I'll be honest, afternoons this year have not been the easiest.  My kids just can't seem to focus after they eat.  In previous weeks {albeit slightly embarrassing to admit}, a handful math lessons have been cut short due to my sweet crew's inability to attend.  Despite how hard I tried, their little eyes would droop, their shoulders would start to slump, and their brains seemed to shut off on me :(  I know better than to beat a dead horse, so I would simply jump ship and run with a spiral review math game or activity.  Although they were getting something out of the deal, it wasn't exactly what I needed them to get at that moment.  In two short days GoNoodle changed this for me.  Following a brain break session my kids were much more focused in on what I was dishin'.  I didn't have to toss anything out and we were able to cruise through the lessons.  Now that's what I call revolutionary.  GoNoodle is a must-have in Room 13 from here on in :) 

Interested in trying this out for FREE with you crew??  Seriously folks . . . there aren't any hidden costs . . . I looked and I am super picky about the stuff I use. Sure, there is a paid side to this program, but the FREE side offers up so much that you don't have to go this route if you don't want to.  The FREE GoNoodle account is updated quite often as well . . . they are always adding new stuff to keep it fresh :)  So cool!!!!

With all this said, what do you have to lose?  Click on the icon below, sign up, and play around for a bit today {you can create a demo class}.  Toss a brain break into the mix next week.  It only takes a few minutes of your day . . . I am sure you will see a grand transformation in your room.  I know I did.    

Alright, I am out of here.  Thanks for listening to me shout from the rooftops today.  I couldn't help myself.  I just had to share.  I'll see you soon with a little freebie and an Earth Day Packet update :)  Hugs!!