This year I thought it was time to update my favorite Halloween Brain Break collection to share with you. Since my last Halloween Brain Break post, which was about 2 years ago, I've discovered some new and fun ideas to implement in the classroom and home. Some of these brain breaks work well for younger students, others for older, and some both. Either way, if you are looking for some fresh and 'spooky' themed ideas for brain breaks in your classroom this year, keep on reading. 

Suddenly, the cat was very concerned!

Use this mystery prompt to see what ideas your students come up with about 'what could have happened?' This particular prompt will make for a great writing center activity during the Halloween season.

Prep: Print and laminate the image below into a card to use as an early finisher task or writing center activity.
OR
​Display on the board for a whole class writing activity. 

There are plenty of ways you may wish to use this prompt. If you would like some ideas, keep on reading.

When using any of the math mystery resources from my range as a class activity, I recommend pacing the case clue by clue rather than giving your students all of the five clue worksheets in one go. By pacing the clues, it will stop some students from racing too far ahead of the rest, while others are left behind.  Turning a math mystery into a competition has its benefits, and certainly is still a fine approach to using these if you prefer to give all five clues in a booklet format for students to work on at their own pace. However, in this post, I aim to outline five tips with suggestions that will help set up ALL of your students for math mystery success!

If you are looking for ways to add some fun to practicing rounding numbers, then  check out these fun and free online rounding games. Make the games a part of your math centers if you have iPads, tablets, or computers available (with Internet access), or encourage to play at home to get some extra rounding math practice in. 

Dr. Dweck developed the idea of fixed mindset and growth mindset to describe the underlying beliefs people have about learning and intelligence. Her theory is that when students believe they can get smarter, paired with effort, their brains become stronger. With this mindset, high levels of achievement can be reached. 

Researchers have also discovered that teacher practice has a big impact on student mindset. The feedback that teachers give their students can either encourage a child to choose a challenge and increase achievement or look for an easy way out. For example, studies on different kinds of praise have shown that telling children they are smart encourages a fixed mindset, whereas praising hard work and effort cultivates a growth mindset. 

What’s the best way to get started with your growth mindset revolution? 
Check out these five must watch Growth Mindset videos.