Rockin' It In The Classroom

If you've heard me speak or been reading the blog for a while, then you know I'm a big advocate of weaving meaningful movement into classroom routines. 

In the book Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina suggests moving kids 

at least six times per hour for maximum achievement. 

Easy math ... that's every ten minutes!

And because "physical exercise is cognitive candy," Medina suggests that it has transformative qualities, and I totally agree. In fact, I've said it before and I'll say it again, that we would all benefit from changing No Child Left Behind to:

Enter Rock It! by Steve Reifman.

I recently had the pleasure of reading this amazing manual and I was instantly hooked at the potential of this product for grades K-5 and beyond! Aligned with Common Core Standards, these songs, stories, and activities will engage and energize your students while giving their brains the break that they need. Just as I like to "seal the deal" with a little dance {download my playlist} at the end of my peace-class lessons, this author advocates making instruction memorable and fun by integrating movement that'll enliven.

Part of what I loved about this manuscript is the suggestion that children have a choice about which activity to engage in as well as whether to participate in the activities at all. Choice actually activates endorphins in the brain that will reduce stress, increase motivation, and foster an optimistic attitude (Ornstein 1991), 

Who wouldn't want that? 

Based on a plethora of research and resources, the author of this rockin' read addresses infusing movement and stories into subjects like Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Health. It's  chunk full of songs, chants, and kinesthetic activities to enrich your daily routines with your class family. I just love brain breaks, so this masterpiece is right up my alley.

As a bonus, check out this tuba/banjo combo that would make a fun 
brain break with your little learners. It's one of my husband's friends from his days playing tuba in the Longhorn Band.

Then let your students make up some moves to the 
Tuba Tango or the Banjo Boogie. 
Who knew a tuba could be this entertaining?

If you want help re-charging your students' batteries,

then you must check out this book. 

Here now, today's good news:

Our friends at Brigantine Media who've published Rock It! have offered a copy of the book to one lucky Corner collaborator. Just leave a comment about how you energize your students and we'll randomly pick a winner from all of the reflections on Thursday, September 5 (my sister's birthday!) at noon CST. 

Stop by this week Friday to see if it's you.

This giveaway is now closed. 

Happy Dancing!