GoNoodle

GoNoodle is a series of web-based videos, games, and activities focused on introducing short bursts of physical exercise in the classroom. For young children 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. There's also a channel entirely in Spanish. From Zumba to yoga to Wii Sports-type running games, there's a ton to do. In the latter, since the site lacks the interactivity features of a game system, the teacher can control whether students are in first, second, third, or fourth place based on how much effort they seem to be exerting. Although this means the teacher won't be running with students (which is too bad for positive role-modeling and can lead to some cries of "unfair"), it does encourage students to give their all as opposed to just going through the motions. GoNoodle Plus can be used to create and use more interactive games aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS), such as competition games identifying plural nouns.