Introduction

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is essential for students, especially those in special education, as it helps them develop crucial life skills. One creative and engaging way to incorporate SEL into the classroom is through activities like the Wiggle and Jump Break. These activities not only help students release energy but also teach them self-regulation and social awareness. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using Wiggle and Jump Break activities, provide a no-prep activity for educators, and discuss related skills and next steps.

No-Prep Activity: The Jungle Adventure

The Jungle Adventure is a fun and interactive activity that requires no preparation or materials from the educator. This activity encourages students to use their imagination while helping them release energy and practice self-regulation. Here’s how to conduct the Jungle Adventure:

1. Ask the students to stand up and find a space where they won’t bump into anyone.
2. Tell them to imagine they are explorers in a jungle and need to navigate through various obstacles.
3. Guide the students through different movements, such as:
• Walking on a narrow path: Have them walk in a straight line, placing one foot in front of the other.
• Climbing a tree: Encourage them to reach up high and pretend they’re grabbing branches to climb the tree.
• Swimming across a river: Ask them to perform swimming motions with their arms, as if they’re swimming through the water.
• Jumping over logs: Have them bend their knees and jump over imaginary logs on the ground.
4. After completing the adventure, ask the students to return to their seats and take a few deep breaths to calm down and refocus.

Discussion Questions

Stimulate further discussions with your students by asking these questions:

1. How did the Jungle Adventure help you release your energy?
2. What other situations in your day-to-day life might require you to use self-regulation strategies?
3. Why is it important to be aware of our emotions and energy levels?
4. Can you think of any other fun activities that could help us practice self-regulation and social awareness?
5. How can we support each other in managing our emotions and energy levels during the school day?

Related Skills

In addition to self-regulation and social awareness, the Wiggle and Jump Break activities can also help students develop other essential SEL skills, such as:

• Communication: Students learn to express their emotions and needs effectively.
• Empathy: By engaging in group activities, students can better understand and respect their peers’ feelings and perspectives.
• Decision-making: Students practice making choices that consider their well-being and the well-being of others.
• Problem-solving: By navigating through imaginary obstacles, students enhance their ability to overcome challenges.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve learned about the benefits of Wiggle and Jump Break activities for special education students, it’s time to explore more resources to support their social-emotional growth. Visit Everyday Speech to sign up for free samples of skill-building activities and resources tailored for students in special education. These materials will help you create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment that fosters the development of essential SEL skills.