Time Saving Tips - Oct. '22

Does it seem like your students have ants in their pants? Don’t wait until most of your students are antsy to take a movement break; it is a big mistake!!! Instead, when you start to see students squirm, provide a quick movement break to get their brains and bodies back on track. But some teachers are nervous about adding movement breaks during the day because they feel they’re taking away from their instructional time. However, the opposite is true! Purposeful, intentional movement breaks enhance instruction! 

After a movement break, children will be more focused and able to concentrate better. And you’ll notice you don’t have to repeat directions as often or redirect behaviors, saving you some time and frustration.
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Your movement break options may include:

• Helicopter Spinning
• Balance Sequence
• Flamingos
• Jumping Jacks
• Windmill Toe Touches
• Cross Pattern Marching

Several amazing things happen when you take a movement break. The children are getting the “wiggles out,” they’re getting more oxygen and blood flow to their brains, improving their focus and alertness for their academics, and getting more S.M.A.R.T. minutes!

​Try this dice game for a fun and easy way to decide what type of movement break to use. We consulted our S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K CORE Guide and included some of our favorite movement break ideas. Just click, download, and print (yes, this will also save you time)!

Download:

• Dice Game (PDF)​