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Gotta Get a Gimmick!

There is a song from the Broadway show Gypsy called Gotta Get a Gimmick! Many of you may know I'm a big fan of musical theatre, and have performed in many, many productions of theatrical shows. 
 
In fact, I tend to be rather theatrical in my classroom, too. 
(You might have guessed this from my profile picture.)
 
Sometimes a silly gimmick can grab the kids attention and turn a mundane task into something exciting. I'm sure you've done it. Here are some examples.

This post has nothing to do with that show.

But, seriously, have you ever noticed how a silly little gimmick can grab the kids' attention and turn a mundane task into something exciting! I'm sure you've done it! 

Here are some gimmicks I've used!

Sometimes a silly gimmick can grab the kids attention and turn a mundane task into something exciting. I'm sure you've done it. Here are some examples
 
Giant Dice: I'm sure you've seen these! I could have given these little guys a worksheet to practice adding 3 addends, but the giant dice and the whiteboards made them forget they were practicing a skill!
 
Sometimes a silly gimmick can grab the kids attention and turn a mundane task into something exciting. I'm sure you've done it. Here are some examples.

M&Ms! This lovely lady found the M&Ms a fun way to make sure she was leaving spaces between words!

Sometimes a silly gimmick can grab the kids attention and turn a mundane task into something exciting. I'm sure you've done it. Here are some examples.

Brain Breaks! These two cuties are doing wall push ups. The kids absolutely love this stuff! Plus, they need it! These two are playing a game that has the Brain Breaks build right in, but they don't need to be "built in". Brain Breaks should be a big part of every day! It's amazing what a small amount of movement or a change of pace can do for learning!

Sometimes a silly gimmick can grab the kids attention and turn a mundane task into something exciting. I'm sure you've done it. Here are some examples

Mini Cards! These young gentlemen are practicing addition with 2 digit numbers. This is another case where a worksheet would be sufficient, but these little mini cards just make it so much more fun for the little guys! They love these!

Sometimes a silly gimmick can grab the kids attention and turn a mundane task into something exciting. I'm sure you've done it. Here are some examples.

Bracelets! These bracelets are simply beads (from any craft store) and pipe cleaners. This particular one was made for the new year, and was a chance for the children to practice facts that add up to 14. They can manipulate the beads to make 8+6 or 9+5 or other combinations.  My students love these bracelets so much, they even make them at indoor recess!

I have plenty more, and I'll bet you do too!


I don't believe in ALWAYS using a gimmick. Sometimes they just have to work. But sometimes they need a little something extra to get them going!

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Sometimes a silly gimmick can grab the kids attention and turn a mundane task into something exciting. I'm sure you've done it. Here are some examples.

For more Bright Ideas from lots of fabulous bloggers, browse through the link up below. You'll be amazed by the bright ideas!


10 comments:

  1. Great gimmicks! Do you sing, "Let Me Entertain You" in the classroom? Jayne
    Smart Kids
    ABCs of Reading

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not quite like it's done at the end of Gypsy! I do break out into song all the time! :)

      Sally

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  2. Thank you for sharing these ideas, Sally! They are great ways to motivate kids and keep them engaged!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sally- I love your posts and ideas! I'm dating myself but I saw Gypsy on Broadway!
    Arlene
    LMN Tree

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll bet Gypsy on Broadway was awesome!

      Sally

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Isn't it amazing how something so simple keeps them engaged?

      Sally

      Delete
  5. You didn't mention chocolate Sally - that gets me working!
    I love big dice and I also have an enormous calculator that they love!
    :) Shelley
    The Write Stuff Teaching

    ReplyDelete

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