When teaching little ones, taking them outside for recess when temperatures are subzero is simply not an option. So we keep them inside where it is nice and warm to keep their pint-sized bodies from freezing. However, if your school is anything like mine, there's barely enough space in the classrooms to walk around the room, let alone give these students the opportunity to run, jump, and release the excess energy their little bodies have been holding in all morning long. Then recess turns into a "read aloud" where they are forced to sit and be still, venture to lunch, and then come back to class for the remainder of the afternoon. This is where behavior issues and potential problems arise, not because these students are purposely plotting to make poor choices, but merely due to energy overload. This leads to a steady spiral to the pit of dread for both teacher and student alike, for no teacher enjoys seeing her kids in misery. So, how do we get these wiggles out in a confined space? Here are some ideas that may get those ants out of their pants so everyone can survive this Siberian shut-in together.
1. Do the 'Tooty ta'
'A tooty ta, a tooty ta, a tooty ta ta.' This may sound like nonsense to the inexperienced ear, but to preschoolers and teachers alike, this is the sound of the talented Dr. Jean. Dr. Jean Feldman has been a child advocate for over 35 years, filling all positions from classroom teacher to author and consultant. She has created several compact discs catering to the needs of teaching vocabulary while encouraging kinesthetic movement simultaneously through music, song, and dance. The movements involve students to stay in one space, allowing them to release energy while remaining safe at the same time. Dr. Jean's website provides a wealth of knowledge, as well as provides a list of her music repertoire for purchase. More information can be found at http://www.drjean.org/html/about.html .
2. Freeze Dance
Have a tape recorder or a cd player? Sometimes all it takes is popping in a cd, assign students their own "bubble space" and press play. The rule is they are allowed to dance as long as the music is on, but once the music stops, they must freeze in the last position they danced in. Not only comical for all involved, when monitored appropriately, this allows the students to release energy in a way unique to themselves by choosing their own dance style.
3. Lights, Camera, Action
At this age, children love to act out all sorts of plays. This is the perfect opportunity to gather old (clean) stuffed animals, blankets, and sheets, and see their minds go to work. The typical recess only lasts about 15-30 minutes, so this is plenty of time to place children into groups with "props" and let their little imaginations do the rest! You will learn so much from your students from doing this activity, it may even be a good idea to have a camera or flipcam available to show parents or reflect at a later time.
Here are three ideas to help teachers and students beat the blizzard blues of winter. Cheer up, Spring is right around the corner. In the meantime, enjoy some of these activities. Happy Hunting.
Comments
As a Child and Family Therapist and former pre-school teacher, I cannot begin to tell you how valuable this information is in preventing a miserable day for student and teacher (at best) or a misdiagnosis of ADHD and medication treatment (at worst). It is unnatural and unhealthy for children (and adults, for that matter) to be sedentary. The human body is made to walk, jump, stretch, interacting with the world around us.
Great article and a MUST for any person who works with children.
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