GoNoodle

GoNoodle is a series of web-based videos, games, and activities focused on introducing short bursts of physical exercise into the classroom. For children of all ages who need to burn up energy to concentrate on learning, this is a simple solution. The site is meant to be used for physical activity in five- to 10-minute bursts, particularly during transition periods. Teachers create a classroom mascot, and students level it up by completing activity challenges. (Don't worry: When one mascot is maxed out, you can move on to another.) This mechanism is fun but not the main incentive behind GoNoodle. 

What really stands out is the sheer variety of activities students can participate in. From dancing to yoga to Wii Sports-type running games, there's a ton to do. There are also videos that incorporate academic subjects with movement, such as competition games identifying plural nouns, or games where students use their whole body to form letters. There's a channel entirely in Spanish, and videos that are focused on mental health. Teachers can explore the featured videos on the main page or browse videos by category, such as movement type or academic subject. Or they can choose a particular channel, each of which has a unique look and approach to encouraging movement. In addition,  there are curricular resources that offer ideas for how to incorporate GoNoodle into your classroom, printables to enhance a lesson, and customizable quiz questions. Teachers already familiar with GoNoodle should note that at the time of this review, the premium paid features are being phased out, and starting in the 2021-2022 school year, all content in GoNoodle will be free. GoNoodle is available on a variety of platforms, including iOS and Android tablets as well as Apple TV and Roku. Versions on these other platforms include the videos and the majority of GoNoodle's videos but may not include some of the extra curriculum-aligned content. 

GoNoodle is a great way to give students a quick burst of physical activity, which can help keep them focused throughout a long academic day. Featuring a huge variety of activities, it allows teachers to include YouTube videos, such as the Just Dance videos, in their repertoire. A good number of videos also incorporate academic subjects with movement, which can be a nice way to mix things up a bit as well as an opportunity to reach students who don't respond well to more traditional teaching methods. In fact, the benefits of physical fitness and relaxation on learning are well documented, and GoNoodle provides teachers with a fun, interactive way to get students moving.

It's unlikely that every kid will enjoy every activity, but considering the large variety of activities, and as long as teachers remember to mix things up, there should be an activity to appeal to every student. Activities are being constantly updated, too. New videos often add variety to the types of topics covered. For instance, an increasing number of activities are designed to help students consider mindfulness, such as how to manage their emotions or calm themselves. These self-managing behaviors are integral to success not only in the classroom, but also in a student's future. And the Spanish content makes the videos accessible to more students and allows for a bilingual experience. Overall, it's an excellent classroom resource.