Do you ever notice that mid-day slump that seems to hit every student in the classroom? It’s like the energy levels drop to almost zero, and learning becomes a challenge. Teacher Lisa Cole has found a creative solution to combat this slump by introducing a new concept called “Coffee Break” to her students.
The hack: Using Google Slides for a brain break and community builder
Miss Cole has cleverly utilized Google Slides to create a daily routine that not only engages her students but also fosters a sense of community in the classroom. The “Coffee Break” consists of a series of slides containing fun and educational content like jokes, memes, news updates, and motivational messages. This brain break not only breaks the monotony of the lesson but also helps in building relationships among students and creating a positive classroom environment.
How To Implement the Coffee Break Hack
- Preparation: Find free templates that suit your style and duplicate them for each day of the week.
- Content addition: Customize each slide with elements like the Check-In Scale, Joke of the Day, Meme of the Day, news updates, and inspirational videos or songs.
- Customization: Add titles, images, GIFs, or links that resonate with your students’ interests and keep them engaged.
- Integration: Add the slides to your Google Classroom for easy access and presentation.
- Presentation: Present the slides during the designated “Coffee Break” time to reenergize the classroom and promote engagement.
Benefits of the Classroom Coffee Break Hack
- Enhances engagement: Interactive and varied content helps in grabbing students’ attention and preparing their minds for learning.
- Builds community: Shared laughs and regular check-ins strengthen relationships among students and with the teacher.
- Improves organization: Daily reminders and educational targets help students and teachers stay organized.
- Fosters inclusivity: All students can access the content at their own pace, ensuring everyone is included and informed.
Miss Cole emphasizes the versatility of this hack and suggests making the slides interactive by embedding hyperlinks for a seamless experience. Students can also take on the role of hosting the “Coffee Break” to further enhance engagement and participation.
Versatility and Tips
This brain break concept can be adapted to fit different grade levels, subjects, and learning environments. By customizing the content to align with students’ interests and making the slides interactive, teachers can create a dynamic and engaging classroom experience.
Ready to transform your classroom routine with the “Coffee Break” hack? Give it a try and watch as your students become more engaged and connected!
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