Skip to main content

GoNoodle: More than Silly Songs and Giant Hot Dogs

It's the beginning of week 3 since Knox County called out schools for the COVID-19 pandemic and we've recently received news of the social distancing extension.  The nicer weather has been a blessing, providing an escape to the "great outdoors", but we live in East Tennessee and we never quite know what the weather will do.
Being an aftercare director, I first hand know the effects of children being cooped up inside all day.  Does bouncing off the walls sounds familiar to you?  If you're running out of ideas to keep your children entertained, let me introduce you to your new best friend: GoNoodle

Getting Started
Setting up an account is quick and easy.  Once you're on the site page, click on the "Get Started Now" button in the upper right hand corner.  Next, select "Play Now" for families on the left side of the screen.  This will give you access to the materials on the site.  If you want to save activities across any device, create an account by clicking the gear in the upper left hand corner.  This will prompt you to enter your birth year, followed by entering your email address and a password.  You can also download the GoNoodle app on your phone, IPad, or Roku for free. 
Time to Explore
Now the fun begins.  You can search for specific topics by clicking on the magnifying glass in the upper right hand corner.  Looking for something math related?  Simply type 'math' into the search bar and all math related videos will be displayed.
You can also find content by browsing through the 19 different channels on the site.  Each channel contains videos created by the same people and/or are related to the same topic, and they're not all just silly songs.  The "How To!" channel provides step-by-step instructions for different activities children can do at home with materials you may already have.  "Flow" can be used in those moments when you need children to calm their bodies and take a little break while "Zumba Kids" is a great tool for getting some energy out.  There is even a workout channel that teens and adults can use called "Fresh Start Fitness".
Personal Favorite
My personal favorite of the channels is Koo Koo Kanga Roo.  Decked out in Koo Koo shirts and gold sneakers, two best friends, Bryan and Neil, lead dance-a-long videos that are sure to get your child up and moving.  The duo has their own website where you can find more of their songs and even purchase some of their gear.  Here are my top 5 favorites:
  1. Double Scoop
  2. Hopscotch
  3. Bread Cheese Bread
  4. Dinosaur Stomp
  5. Shake Yo Foot



Being an aftercare director for nearly 10 years, I've had my fair share of exposure to GoNoodle videos and content.  They're a great resource to use during a time such as this.  It's easy to develop some personal favorites and who said only kids were allowed to dance around the living room acting silly?!  

-Ms. Jennifer



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Celebrating 25 Years

  Celebrating 25 Years of keeping the lights on afterschool! Fall Break is almost here!   Get ready for a fall, family adventure and a little competition! At SHADES, we are excited to launch the SHADES Fall Break “Bright Ideas” Family Scavenger Hunt.  The event is a family-friendly scavenger hunt throughout the community celebrating SHADES keeping the “Lights on Afterschool” in Knoxville for 25 years!  Disclaimer: Images from the Fall Break “Bright Ideas” Family Scavenger Hunt are the property of SHADES of Development and may be used for promotional purposes.  Participation in the Fall Break “Bright Ideas” Scavenger Hunt is at your own risk.  Participants agree to hold harmless SHADES of Development and its employees, volunteers, directors, and officers, from any injury, accident, liability, loss, cost, or demand incurred or sustained by your participation.
Post a Comment
Read more
💬12 Strategies to Promote Executive Function Article Source :  Childcare Education Institute, November 2020 Executive functions are a set of skills that allow us to successfully navigate the tasks and challenges of everyday life. The area of the brain where these skills reside is not fully developed until early adulthood. The strategies here are helpful for people of all ages.  Keep in mind, different strategies will work for different people. Remain creative and open to altering these suggestions to work for you and your children Consistent routines - Learning the predictable flow of the daily routine is an important executive function. Create a daily schedule that promotes security and has a few downtime periods as possible. Transition children in small groups, rather than moving large groups through the routine all at once. For example, send a few children to wash their hands before snack rather than having all of the children line up and wait for their turn to wash hands....
Post a Comment
Read more

Spring Snake Safety

     As the weather warms during Spring time you may be spending more time outdoors.   While outside, you are likely to encounter many different creatures.   Snakes are one of the many fascinating animals you might come across while outside.   During this time of year, it is especially important to be aware of your surroundings and on the look out for snakes because they are hatching in the warm weather and are especially difficult to see in their natural habitat.        Observing an insect or an animal in its own natural habitat can make for a memorable outdoor experience. With just a little knowledge and some common sense, it can be a safe experience, too.   It is important to have some knowledge about snakes, because while most are harmless, there are some that are venomous and could put you in danger if you to encounter one unexpectedly while outdoors.   Although the mere thought of snakes conjures up alarm in many pe...
Read more