We went one-to-one two years ago, and while I love it, there are definitely some unexpected challenges.
The biggest challenge? Antsy students!
Now teaching 7th graders, one develops a certain tolerance for this type of thing. Anyone who’s ever spent time in a middle school classroom knows someone falls out of their desk at least once a week for no reason whatsoever (LOL).
But I’m not talking about the typical, hormonal kid antsy. This is the “I’ve been sitting at a computer all day and need to move” antsy. That antsy is no good. That antsy does NOT lead to learning because let’s face it.
Learning cannot occur when they are bored and uncomfortable.
To combat this problem, my goal is to get the kids up and moving at least once during our English block. While some of the strategies I use are more extensive, below are some of the easiest ideas to implement into your classroom to get your kids moving!
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The Card Trick: I always keep a deck of cards at my desk! On a whim, I can pass out cards and assign students to number partners, suit partners, or even black/red if I’m looking to split the class in half!
Nice “Shoe” Meet You: Super simple. Twist on a Turn and Talk. “Find someone in the class who has shoes most similar to yours and share your response/discuss XYZ.”
Take a Stand: Pose an opinion question to the class. Tell them to “take a stand” on the issue and jot down their thinking. Once all students completed their written response, students quite literally “Take a Stand!” Depending on your students, they can stand at their desks or on their chairs to share their response. My quirky kids love the “Huzzah! Huzzah!” I have them do once each person is done sharing! 🙂 (Get the freebie here!)
Musical Chairs: Play music, allow students to walk around the room, up and down the rows until the music stops. Then they sit in the seat closest to them and work with that group for the upcoming task. (Get my fav songs here!
Gallery Walk: Final products of group work is taped on the wall around the room. Instead of simple report outs, students can rotate around the room to read and analyze their peer’s work.
Hope you find these strategies helpful and easy to use! Please feel free to share your favorites below!
