Movement breaks are essential tools for classroom management, as they offer opportunities for students to release energy, refocus attention, and enhance learning outcomes within the classroom. YouTube provides a wealth of free resources that make incorporating physical activity into your school day simple and effective. In this blog post, I share my favorite YouTube movement breaks and outline how to implement them effectively in your classroom.
Benefits of Movement Breaks
Research shows that strategic physical movement during learning has the following benefits:
- Foster a positive and engaging learning environment
- Increase oxygen flow to the brain
- Improve focus and attention
- Reduce restlessness and fidgeting
- Reduce disruptive behaviors
- Support overall physical well-being
My favorite YouTube Movement Breaks
GoNoodle
Perfect for elementary students, GoNoodle offers dance-alongs, yoga, mindfulness exercises, and character-based movement games that students love. Their videos range from 2 to 5 minutes in length and often incorporate academic concepts.
My favorite from GoNoodle is Fabio’s Meatball Run!
Danny Go
Danny Go’s YouTube channel offers energetic, kid-friendly movement breaks that engage students with catchy music and simple choreography. His videos feature age-appropriate dance routines specially designed for classroom spaces, combining fun physical movements with clear instructions that children can easily follow.
My favorite movement break from Danny Go is The Floor is Quicksand: Pyramid Adventure!
Scratch Garden
Scratch Garden delivers animated movement breaks and songs. Their uniquely colorful, quirky videos feature catchy songs and simple movements that guide students to get their bodies moving.
My favorite movement breaks from Scratch Garden are their yoga series!
Cosmic Kids Yoga
Cosmic Kids Yoga’s videos use storytelling to engage students while teaching yoga poses. Videos range from 5 to 15 minutes and are themed around popular stories and characters.
My favorite yoga movement break from Cosmic Kids Yoga is Yoga On The Farm!
Implementing YouTube Movement Breaks Effectively
Integrating movement breaks effectively requires thoughtful planning rather than random implementation. Consider establishing regular movement breaks at predictable transition points throughout your day, such as after periods of direct instruction, before lunch, or when transitioning between subjects. This consistency helps students anticipate and benefit from these energizing moments.
In addition to scheduled breaks, pay close attention to the energy levels and behavioral cues in your classroom. When you notice focus waning or fidgeting increasing, that’s your signal that students’ bodies need movement. Aim to introduce a movement break proactively rather than waiting until behavior issues arise.
Whenever possible, select movement videos that complement your current learning topics. This reinforcement creates meaningful connections while addressing physical needs. To increase ownership, excitement, and buy-in, consider allowing students to take turns choosing the movement break for the class. You may even consider participating in the movements yourself to encourage student involvement and create a positive atmosphere.
Lastly, take the time to bookmark videos in advance and organize playlists by length and intensity. This preparation prevents valuable instructional time from being lost to searching for appropriate content when students are already restless and ready to move.
All in all, incorporating YouTube movement breaks does not require specialized equipment or extensive preparation. Consistency and choosing videos that align with your students’ needs and interests are key to making movement breaks a valuable part of your classroom routine. What are some YouTube movement break strategies you have found to be successful in your classroom?
Wondering how you can structure your physical classroom space to accommodate movement breaks? Join our Simple Self-Contained Setup 101 course!
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