“What’s that noise?” J blurted out.
Just moments ago, I could have heard a pin drop. Finally, all my squirrelly 7th graders had settled into a comfortable chair and had logged into Lexia (the program our district is paying lots of money to use and I’m to assign for a certain number of minutes a class period). Then suddenly, a loud rumbling sound began from above.
“The math class must be moving around their desks again. Maybe they are getting ready to play Musical Chairs,” I jokingly commented.
“I used to love playing Musical Chairs,” T blurted.
“Me, too.” J added. “Can our movement break be Musical Chairs today?”
“Sure,” I stated with a bit of surprise in my voice. “But now let’s get back to Lexia. The timer shows 24 minutes to go. Get back into the Reading Lexia Zone.”
Fast forward 30 minutes. A new rumble sounded within our classroom from rearranging some desks to be off to the side. My seven students all helped to position six chairs facing outward in a circle. I opened Spotified on my computer and picked a song. Ed Sheeran began singing “Beautiful People” and seven beautiful seventh graders began to walk in a circle around a group of chairs. A great ending to my noisy class period.
Writing Stories by Sally 
I love this! A great reminder that even middle schoolers are kids at heart. And if 7th graders can honor the “kids” in themselves, than I can, too.
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I love that they suggested it- because if you had… Sorry about Lexia:(
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I also love that students chose an “old familiar” for movement break. Ugh to Lexia required minutes. Definitely a place for Action Research!
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I smiled through this whole post. I can see ou and your group playing musical chairs…I wish I could play too. We need to add more play to the day for students and adults alike. Thanks for the happy story this morning!
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This takes me back! I wonder how many childhood memories were brought to the surface in your classroom today. There’s always room for some whimsy and you always find ways to incorporate it!
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I love that you let them have the fun of musical chairs. They will remember that day!
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What a joyful post and a joyful moment for your students (and you).
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You brought joy to your classroom! I love that you took the time to live in the moment.
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Sweet moment- don’t you feel glad you said yes? The photo reminds us what 7th graders are like- slouchy, in-between age, sometimes surprisingly sincere… what a nice slice.
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Great descriptor – slouchy!!
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This brought back a lot of happy memories. We played musical chairs for special occasions. My students loved it too. And unfortunately we were on the second floor…..Love that you did that and wrote about it
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Love how you ended with musical chairs. A reminder that we must infuse joy to must-dos. I usually play “squoosh ball” with my middle schoolers after they read/write/do Lexia, but I will offer musical chairs as an option next week.
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