10 Low-Tech Ways to Refocus Students

Edtech ThrowdownEpisode 197: 10 Low-Tech Ways to Refocus StudentsWelcome to the EdTech Throwdown. This is Episode 197 called 10 Low-Tech Ways to Refocus Students. In this episode, we will talk about 10 low-tech or no-tech ideas for brain breaks, mindful moments, whatever you call them, you’ll learn some cool ways to refocus students in your classroom. This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.Segment 1: School OpeningOur school opening PD days focused on the importance of getting kids off screens.Funny because I’ve been hearing students for years say they still prefer pieces of paper for many things in class and that they get tired of looking at their tiny chromebook screen.This also makes sense because there are strong links to learning and handwriting. Also, have you ever tried staring at a screen for your job all day? It’s not fun.In that spirit, we collected some ideas for brain breaks / mindful moments, with a focus on low tech or no tech solutions.Segment 2: Low Tech or No Tech Brain BreaksBingo Bongo SplatYou write down a secret number on a piece of paper so you don’t forget it yourself. Can be as many digits as you want. Students take turns guessing the number. As they make a guess, you record it for all of them to see, along with the word, bingo, bongo, or splat. Check out the Tik Tok video from LifeofSteph on thisBingo=1 digit in the right placeBongo=1 digit but in the wrong placeSplat=nothing matchesReverse Simon SaysSame rules as Simon Says—but if you don’t hear “Simon says,” you should do the action. Flips their brains into focus mode.Slow Reveal GraphsSeries of images of graphs, beginning with almost no labels or information, then slowly adding more. Students share out what they think the graph is about. Their responses get more detailed and specific with each new reveal. Teaches graph skills and is fun!Bandle Phone AppWordleRemember that craze! It’s still around. Play the real NYT version or make your own at flipptyWhich doesn’t belong?4 images are shown and students must argue for which one doesn’t belong. There should be a possible reason that could be argued for each image. Start with a dessert example (chocolate layer cake, choco chip cookies, berry pie, ice cream), and then make one that fits your content. Close by having students design one. Extend this by having them present it.Story TagOne student starts a silly story with one sentence, and it goes around the room quickly. Each adds just one sentence—short and energizing.Another option: You will tell a story one word at a time. Ideally you’re in a circle on arranged in a way that’s clear which order you’ll go in. The first student starts with one word (One), then the next student comes up with another word (morning), then the next student continues (a)…Another option: You will tell a story using only questions. Ideally you’re in a circle on arranged in a way that’s clear which order you’ll go in. The first student starts: “Where did the dog go?” The next continues with: “I’m not sure, should we go look for him?”The next continues with: “Do you know where his leash is?”Upside-Down ArtistStudents have 30 seconds to doodle something on scrap paper—but they must hold the paper upside down while drawing. Quick, funny reset.Island packing list/I’m going on a picnicYou’ll need to decide the rule for things allowed on the picnic. Maybe it’s green things, or things that begin with the letter B, or things that you can eat…Students will take turns asking if they can bring X on the picnicTheir goal is to try to get everyone to figure out the rule. Mirror GameIn pairs, one student makes slow movements while the other “mirrors” exactly. Switch roles after 30 seconds.Word Problem Battleship/Connect 4/ Tic-Tac-ToeEdtech Throwdown: Vote on twitter @edtechthrowdown and under the pinned post on the profile.Segment 3: Where to Find EdTech ThrowdownDo us a few favors:Subscribe to the Edtech Throwdown PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon PodcastsStitcher  YouTube  Twitter   FacebookWrite us an Apple Podcast Review!Tell your friends about www.edtechthrowdown.comTell your friends about the Teach Better Podcast NetworkSubscribe to our Podcast Channels and SocialsApple PodcastsSpotify  YouTube  Twitter (@edtechthrowdown)FacebookInstagramConnect with us on Social MediaGuise’s Social MediaTwitter (@guisegotteched)LinkedInNick’s Social MediaTwitter (@nickgotteched)Music Credits:Intro and Outro Music- American Idle - RKVCSegment Identifiers- Duck in the Alley - TrackTribeEdtech Throwdown- Born a Rockstar (Instrumental) - NEFEXNeed a Presenter?As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, we are best known for sessions on:AI For Teachers, Admin, and Parents1:1 Chromebook IntegrationEdTech ThrowdownTargetED LearningGamification (Badge Systems)Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)Google apps and extensionsPersonalized learning and Choice BoardsTeacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)Digital content creationStudent PodcastingScreencastingFlipped ClassroomStudent-Centered Learning