Thursday, January 10, 2013

Smile Moments

When do you and your little kiddos ever get a chance to just relax for 5 minutes without worrying about what standard the activity aligns with, if it's going to be on the test, or about it wasting time?  I'm sure there's a good number of teachers in 1 of 3 categories.

*Never

*Do brain breaks/recess count?

*Everyday!

Well today, I'm going to introduce you to a new type of fun that you can have in your classroom.  A way to get kids laughing and just having a good time without worrying about the assignment that have to complete.  It's ok to have a little down time every once in a while!  I got this idea from another teacher I work with and if we ever go a week without this, my loves ask and ask and ask.  This fun is called: Smile moments! :D

So what is a smile moment?  Once a week, I choose a funny picture, video, joke, or anything else I can find that will give the class a good laugh.  During morning meeting, usually on Thursdays or Fridays, we have anywhere from 1-5 minutes to just relax and have our "Smile Moment"  The kiddos LOVE this day.  It's the second favorite, behind their share day of course!  Here are some of their favorite videos:

This is by far their absolute favorite.  They are often asking me if we can just watching this AGAIN for our smile moment.  Then they have it stuck in their head the entire day!  It's catchy, I don't blame them! :)



I just love love love this little one. Oh.My.Gosh adorable!  



They LOVED this especially towards the beginning of the year when this song was first huge!



The baby that freaks at the sound of mom blowing her nose just cracks me up!


I wasn't sure how they'd take this one.  But then I remembered they are 7.  Even if they didn't really "get" it per-say, they still thought it was pretty hilarious.

There's a TON more out there.  Sometimes I even throw in a funny video of my dog.  Like when he thought he could swim in the snow.  Or when he was scared of the scare crow hanging in my hallway for Halloween.  Sometimes the kids just want to tell a joke.  I'm pretty much open to anything appropriate!

How do you incorporate relaxing fun into your classroom?

Oh and before I go, here's a video for you!


You tell 'em Girlfrand!

5 comments:

  1. Thank you for posting these! I am using these of these tomorrow! Or maybe I better stretch them out! I forgot all about the baby ripping paper! SO CUTE and funny!! I hope you post more of these! It is a GREAT idea!
    Kim
    TheVeryBusyFirstGraders

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    1. Aren't they so fun? :) Hope your kids enjoyed them. I'll definitely post more soon!

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  2. Thanks! I was just thinking today that I want to laugh more, and laugh more with my kids. This is a great start. Thanks again.
    Alyce

    Mrs. Bartel’s School Family

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  3. Thanks so much for the suggestions and reminder that it is okay to have FUN in school! I found your blog on the flash drive give away. I also teach 2nd grade and am your newest follow.
    Jessica
    Literacy Spark

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    1. Thanks for coming to check me out! :) Whoever wins that flash drive giveaway is one lucky person!! There are so many good things on there!

      Ashley

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