Introduction
When working with PreK students, it’s important to provide opportunities for them to release energy and learn how to self-regulate. This blog post introduces a fun, engaging, and no-prep activity called Wiggle and Jump Break, which helps students release energy and learn to calm themselves down. Incorporating principles of Social-Emotional Learning, this activity supports the development of self-awareness, self-regulation, and social skills in young learners.
No-Prep Activity: Wiggle and Jump Break
This activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator. It’s perfect for those moments when your students need a short break to release energy and refocus. Follow these steps to guide your students through the Wiggle and Jump Break:
- Ask your students to stand up and find a space where they won’t bump into anyone. Encourage them to stretch their arms out to the front, side, and back, making sure they’re not touching anyone.
- Tell your students that they’re going to pretend they’re on a beach. Instruct them to run in place as if they’re running through the sand into the ocean. Encourage them to run with their knees up and jump over an imaginary wave to avoid getting splashed.
- Now, have your students pretend they’re swimming in the ocean. Ask them to swim with their arms, and then to wiggle their arms like an octopus when they spot one in the water.
- Instruct your students to swim faster to get away from the octopus, and then to run back up the beach to safety. Encourage them to shake off the sand and take a big breath in and out.
- Finally, remind your students that jumping and wiggling helps get their energy out, and that they’re now ready to get back to their day.
Discussion Questions
After completing the Wiggle and Jump Break activity, engage your students in a discussion to deepen their understanding of the experience and reinforce the Social-Emotional Learning principles. Here are some questions to get the conversation started:
- How did you feel during the Wiggle and Jump Break activity? What part was your favorite?
- Why do you think it’s important to take breaks and release energy throughout the day?
- How can we help our friends when they need a break or feel overwhelmed with energy?
- What other activities can we do to help us release energy and feel calm?
- How can you use what you learned from this activity to better manage your energy throughout the day?
Related Skills
Beyond the Wiggle and Jump Break activity, there are many other skills that can support students’ Social-Emotional Learning and development. Some related skills for students include:
- Deep breathing exercises for relaxation and self-regulation
- Yoga and stretching to promote mindfulness and body awareness
- Team-building games and activities to foster cooperation and communication
- Role-playing scenarios to practice empathy and perspective-taking
- Art and creative expression to encourage self-expression and emotional exploration
Next Steps
As an educator, it’s crucial to provide a variety of activities and experiences that support the Social-Emotional Learning of your PreK students. To access more resources and sample materials, sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech. By incorporating these activities into your classroom, you’ll help your students develop essential life skills that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and beyond.
