Brain Breaks Cover Sheet

Teacher Candidate Title of Exemplar Portfolio Category ACEI Standard

Rachel Mullen Brain Breaks I x II III IV V

Cohort #

414

Curriculum A2.7 Physical Education

ACEI Standard Element(s)

A2.1 Candidates know, understand, and useas appropriate to their own understanding and skillshuman movement and physical activity as central elements to foster active, healthy life styles and enhanced quality of life for elementary students.

Semester Spring 2014 1.

Date

March 24, 2014

Description of exemplar and how it demonstrates meeting this ACEI Standard and Element(s). This exemplar consists of videos that allow my students to take a brain break during the school day and participate in physical activity. By incorporating short movement activities into the instructional day, it not only allows children to get their wiggles out, but also energizes them and increases their ability to focus on the next learning activity. My students respond very well to brain breaks and enjoy getting the opportunity to take a break from the everyday demands and the classroom.

2.

Reflection on my professional growth in knowledge, skills, and dispositions related to this ACEI Standard and Element(s). My knowledge of the use of physical education in the classroom grew significantly from using these videos in the classroom. In the past, I had always assumed that my students having PE class was enough for them, and then I head about other teachers using brain breaks. Although these are just short little bursts of exercise, I learned that it really helped my students stay focused and engaged through out the day. This also allowed me to develop my skills in integrating physical education into the classroom. Even if it is just for a few minutes through out the day, making time for my students to get out their wiggles will help in the long run to have a successful lesson. By talking with other teachers that also use this strategy, I was

able to find plenty little brain breaks on the Internet that I can incorporate into my every day teaching for my students. My disposition related to physical education changed drastically from using brain breaks with my classes. As I mentioned before, my class used to just go to PE class, and that was all the exercise they got through out the day. Once I started using brain breaks, they started focusing better and being less fidgety. I also discovered that these breaks were perfect in my SPED placements for students with disabilities. They could get up and dance around a bit, which allowed them to refocus on the day as well. Even ELL students were able to participate and get out their wiggles!