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Check & Connect
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5 Minute Game
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Step 1: Give each student one 30 Circles sheet of paper. They also need a something to drwa with (pen, pencil, colored markers, etc.)Step 2: Ask students to turn as many of the blank circles as possible into recognizable objects. They get 3 minutes. (Examples: foods, balls, clocks, coins, smiley faces, etc.)Step 3: Compare results, analyze, & debrief. Some [...]
What is it? Add a discussion board called Coffee House in your online course where students can post about anything. Watch them uplift and support each other. Why use it? One of the most important components in adult learning is a strong sense of community. This gives students (and instructor) an opportunity to get to [...]
What is it? Stand just in front of your chair. Leader counts down from 10 in a random rhythm sequence (fast, slow, slow, fast). Followers gradually melt into their chair, but shouldn’t touch until the countdown gets to 0. Why use it? Use this for an energy boost in the middle of class if students [...]
Use any of these quick games as a break during class. Charades Telephone Line up by birthdate without talking Follow the leader Hangman Simon Says Why use it? Something fun to break up class with. Most of these activities require some physical movement which can provide a little energy boost. [...]
Practice gratitude with these activities: Think of someone, something, and somewhere you are thankful for Write a letter of appreciation to someone in your life List 3 things you love about yourself Create a paper chain made of thankful strips Choose a gratitude quote and share it with someone or leave it for a stranger [...]
There are so many ways to breathe and models of breathing. Here are some of our favorites: Kara Willey’s Do Nothing Moment Hoberman Sphere (breathing ball): open and close this ball to represent the inhale and exhale. Dandelion breath: On the exhale, pretend you are gently blowing each dandelion seed to the ground one at [...]
Begin by bringing your attention into your body. You can close your eyes if that’s comfortable for you. You can notice your body seated wherever you’re seated, feeling the weight of your body on the chair or on the floor. Take a few deep breaths. As you take a deep breath, bring in more oxygen [...]
There are plenty of videos and scripts available for free. Here are a few of our favorites: 5 Minute Meditation on YouTube Headspace is a paid app but has tons of high quality content sorted by the type of meditation or feeling you desire Calm is another paid app with guided meditation Why use it? [...]
Use some of the postures described below, or play part of a chair flow yoga video found on YouTube. Check-in posture: sit tall in chair with two feet flat on the floor and hands in lap Shoulder shrug: lift shoulders up and down Arm across body: stretch and hold arm across your body, alternate sides [...]
What is it? 1. Have the students gather together and place a chair in the middle of the room. 2. Assign a topic or hobby to the chair, and have students distance themselves from the chair according to how much they like the topic. 3. Have the students demonstrate their decision using facial expressions and [...]
What is it? 1. Have the students gather in one large circle. 2. This activity involves speaking simultaneously with rhythm. Begin the rhythm together: stomp, clap, point. 3. One at a time, each student will follow this rhythm. On the point, he/she will point to a student in the circle for that student to start [...]
What is it? 1. Brainstorm a list of topics, with two elements per topic. For example, you could have the topic “fruit,” with the two elements being “apples” and “oranges.” 2. Have the students gather in the middle, with one side of the classroom being one element such as “apples,” and the other side being [...]
The goal of this activity is for students to count down out loud while shaking out their arms, legs, and hands. It is very important to do this activity with your students so that you can model the activity. 1. Start by counting down from 10 while shaking out your left arm. When you get [...]
What is it? 1. Brainstorm a list of verbs, activities or situations that you want your students to demonstrate and learn. 2. Have the class gather together. When you say your action, have the students act out the action. Students can speak and move in any way to portray their action. 3. You can mix [...]
What is it? Have the students spread out around the classroom Start the activity by having the students form a shape with their body. It can be any pose or shape, as long as they can hold it for at least ten seconds. This will be shape one. When students have learned their pose, have [...]
What is it? Draw a variety of shapes on the board and have participants copy them in any order/size that feels right to them. Which shape do they connect with most right now? Why? Provide an opportunity for students to share if they want. Teachers are encouraged to participate as well. Optional music integration: play [...]
What is it? Ask students what kind of animal are they feeling like today. Big? Small? Loud? Quiet? Why use it? It gives students an opportunity to check in with themselves and gives teachers a glimpse into students’ lives if they choose to share. [...]
What is it? Have the students gather in a circle. Each student should have a place holder with them, such as a pencil case, shoe, or book. Start with one student in the middle of the circle. Have the student state his/her name and something that he/she likes. When the student is done speaking, all [...]
What is it? 1. Have the students gather together in a circle. 2. Each student, going one at a time, will simultaneously make a noise and movement. 3. The starting student will “pass on” this noise and movement to the student next to him/her, continuing the noise and movement around the circle. 4. When the [...]
What is it? With a partner, hold a pencil on the ends between your pointer finger and theirs. One partner leads the other by moving their arm, the other must follow so the pencil doesn’t drop. Why use it? Develops trust between classmates in a low-risk way. Brain has to be focused on pencil movement [...]
What is it? Draw your personal weather forecast. Are you feeling bright? Warm? Windy? Why use it? It gives students an opportunity to check in with themselves and gives teachers a glimpse into students’ lives if they choose to share. [...]
What is it? Use one color to describe how you’re feeling right now. Try to name a specific shade. Why use it? It gives students an opportunity to check in with themselves and gives teachers a glimpse into students’ lives if they choose to share. [...]
What is it? Use one word to describe how you’re feeling in this moment. Why use it? It gives students an opportunity to check in with themselves and gives teachers a glimpse into students’ lives if they choose to share. [...]
What is it? Trace a circle with a black marker Draw lines (straight or curved) through the circle Take 3 colors and make a key for three feelings that reflect your week Color in the parts of the circle, making sure to factor in how much of each color/feeling is used and where it is [...]
What is it? Use a marker to color the paper towel. All paper towel and napkin brands have different patterns on them. For an added effect, use water and a paintbrush to watch the colors bleed. Why use it? This is a great hands-on mindful practice in noticing. Have you ever noticed the different designs [...]
What is it? Create a whole family (pets included) of action figures and use them to play with or create stop-motion animation. Cut like this for a head and two arms at the top and two legs at the bottom. If the animal has a tail cut the bottom into three parts as well. Why [...]
Submit an idea to be posted by emailing nicolerausch@delta.edu. [...]