Energizers are used when a change of pace is needed in the classroom.  When the content is getting heavy and attention spans are wondering, energizers do just what they say…they bring energy back into the classroom.  These are brief activities only taking one to three minutes.  They are provided for both mental and physical breaks and do not have to relate to content.   Make sure you don’t ask them to do it by themselves, you should play along too! Here are a few energizer ideas:

• Air Writing: Have students stand up and as you call out a word students will write out the word with their arms, legs, elbows, knees, hips, etc. Tie the energizer into your class content by using key words from the lesson.  Now it doubles as an Energizer and a Review!
• Roller Coaster: Have each student sit in their chair and pretend that you are all riding the same roller coaster. Start by having them get into the roller coaster and pull the bar down. Make sure it is locked. Now pretend the coaster has started and you are going up. Lead them through the action of the roller coaster. As you get to the top and you start going down, hold your hands up in the air and scream, just like if you were riding a real roller coaster. Take them through turns, up and down. This is just a simple way to incorporate movement into the classroom and create fun and energy.
• Dance Party: Put music on for 2 -3 minutes and have everyone get up and dance. (Alternative: students can teach the group new dance moves or utilize YouTube)