Something special happened this past week - a new blog was born. :) A team of 27 teachers have gotten together (myself included) to form a collaborative blog. It's a mixture of different grade levels, years of experience, but all of us have a passion toward education, and making the world a better place for the next generation. I hope you come on over to visit - today over there I was able to share a little about me. :)
Student Motivation {Rainy Day Edition}
It really hasn't rained that much at school - drought and all... but yesterday it poured! When they can't play outside, I like to give my kiddos a longer brain break in the classroom with a rainy day recess. It's a "treat" since I always start the rainy day saying that during recess we might need to read or finish up activities... it's not a given. Sometimes I give them options for independent/partner activities - like drawing, board games, and pulling out the word search books. Other times, especially when we need to work on teamwork, I announce that we will be playing a class game. I like to give choices though, so we always have a class vote. Below are some of the activities that I use in my classroom.
A couple of years ago when I switched back to 4th grade, I sent home a note to my classroom families, asking for gently used board games to add to our rainy day tub. They sent in so many options - some even brand new! I store all my rainy day board games in a big plastic tub (with a lid) that I keep tucked under a table. I chose a heavy duty plastic tub that ISN'T see through, because I wanted to add to the mystery of the rainy day options.
There are times that I put on a Magic School Bus video - specifically about the weather - during rainy day recess. I try to save it for a moment that my brain feels like it's going to explode. (I'm sure you understand those rainy day moments.)
What do you do for rainy day recess?
Student Motivation {Rainy Day Edition}
It really hasn't rained that much at school - drought and all... but yesterday it poured! When they can't play outside, I like to give my kiddos a longer brain break in the classroom with a rainy day recess. It's a "treat" since I always start the rainy day saying that during recess we might need to read or finish up activities... it's not a given. Sometimes I give them options for independent/partner activities - like drawing, board games, and pulling out the word search books. Other times, especially when we need to work on teamwork, I announce that we will be playing a class game. I like to give choices though, so we always have a class vote. Below are some of the activities that I use in my classroom.
A couple of years ago when I switched back to 4th grade, I sent home a note to my classroom families, asking for gently used board games to add to our rainy day tub. They sent in so many options - some even brand new! I store all my rainy day board games in a big plastic tub (with a lid) that I keep tucked under a table. I chose a heavy duty plastic tub that ISN'T see through, because I wanted to add to the mystery of the rainy day options.
There are times that I put on a Magic School Bus video - specifically about the weather - during rainy day recess. I try to save it for a moment that my brain feels like it's going to explode. (I'm sure you understand those rainy day moments.)
What do you do for rainy day recess?
