#Best Resource Ever
Mind Joggers
#Best Resource Ever
I purchased this book 8 years ago. What makes it one of the #best resources ever is, I have used it EVERY YEAR!! I have discovered that this book has come in handy many times. The picture does not show the numerous post-its, marking my commonly used activities. First and foremost, I would like to address the fact that this is my own personal opinion. I am not being sponsored or affiliated with this book. I just find it to be one of the #Best Resources Ever.
This book is a great resource substitutes too. Mind Joggers offers a host of fast and engaging activities with little prep required. It offers something for grades K-6.
I have utilized it often in my classroom. To be honest there is no way I could list all the ways I have implemented the activities in this book, and do it justice. I will mention a few of the ways that I commonly use this book.
Most Used Language Activities
The section I use most is the Mind Joggers Language and Writing Activities. These activities focus on important skills and concepts. The language activities provide a great option for fun, quick, effective lessons to use prior to dismissal time. Many times it is this part of the day that you want your students attentive to dismissal announcements. These activities are fun and engaging with a quiet and structured environment.
One example, is the list of antonyms and synonyms included. I use this list to play a game that I call “Stand Down”. This activity follows the same format a spelling bee. I will give them a word and ask them for a synonym or antonym to the word. If they get it correct they remain standing. If students get the question incorrect they sit down. Sometimes I will switch it up, I will give them a set of words and they will have to tell if the pair of words are antonyms or synonyms. It is nice having this book handy to refer to.
Figurative Language Activities
The next valuable resource this book provides is the activities that focus on figurative language. There are several activities that focus on similes, metaphors, idioms, and analogies to name a few. These activities are perfect for allowing teachers to put a creative spin on them. I have implemented these activities in a variety of ways depending on the needs of my students. Again making this the #best resource ever.
Fact and Opinion Activity
There is a good fact and opinion activity. I have used it as the book specifies to assess the level of mastery my students have acquired. Hence, I have used it to orally quiz my students in a quick recall format using a buzzer system.
Back To School Activities
Several of the Mind Joggers activities included are great for back to school. There are a number of short, “What would you do….?” stories. I read these at the beginning of the year to gain insight into the character dynamics of my class. Several effective listening activities provided in this book as well. These activities provide a way to reinforce the importance of active listening in a fun, entertaining way for students.
Math Activities
Several Mind Joggers math activities included as well. Some of the ones I have used relate to the content areas of geometry, perimeter, area, odd and even numbers, and telling time.
Book Layout
The layout of the Mind Joggers activities are easy to use and prepare. The materials needed for each activity are listed. I would like to note, most of activities require minimal items and are low cost. Skill objectives are listed using power verbs that require a high level of thinking. Each activity states if it is geared towards individuals, partners, small groups, or whole groups. The step by step instructions are provided. Adaptation for specific needs that an individual or a group of students may need is provided.
Book Reflection
In my opinion, this book is a great resource for both new and veteran teachers. Are you interested in this book? Finally, I have provided a link to Mind Joggers on Amazon.
You might like the Author Purpose Activity I created. You can check it out on my blog.