Budget constraints and other concerns have forced some teachers to incorporate classroom activities that get kids (and the teaches themselves!) up and moving. Some incorporate brain breaks, as frequent contributing writer Janelle Cox points out in today’s centerpiece article on TeachHUB.com. Janelle’s brain break ideas include:
· Have a five-minute dance party! Turn on your students’ favorite radio station and encourage them to let loose.
· Try 30-second intervals of your students’ favorite exercise. 30 seconds of jumping jacks, 30 seconds jogging in place, 30 seconds of high knees.
· Set a timer for five minutes and have students take turns playing follow the leader.
Instruct students to follow you in a few yoga poses like the standing mountain pose or tree pose
We also take a look at what educators can do in their personal lives outside the classroom to get and maintain health. Janelle sums up her article in this manner, with some bulletpoints on eating more healthfully:
· Plan ahead. It’s all in the planning. If Sunday is your day to grocery shop, then take a little extra time to prepare healthy snacks and foods for the week. Chop up veggies and stick them in a baggie for an easy grab and go. Make a batch of hard-boiled eggs for a quick breakfast. Buy premade salads to take with you to work.
· Invest in a crockpot. A slow cooker is a convenient and inexpensive way to make healthy meals. All you have to do is throw in a lean protein, some veggies and spices, and it will be ready for you when you get home from work.
· Make extra. Whatever you plan on making, double or even triple the recipe. Leftovers are a busy person’s best friend.
· If you’re going to eat out, choose wisely. Skip the sugary drinks and choose water. Cut your portion in half and take the other half home with you. Ask for salad dressing on the side, and order your food steamed or grilled instead of fried.
How do you stay fit during the busy work week? Do you try and fit exercise into your classroom activities? Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments about this topic in the comment section.
