(PRWEB) August 27, 2014
Back-to-school just got a lot brighter for two elementary school teachers who are the lucky recipients of classroom makeovers as winners of the inaugural GoNoodle Extreme Makeover contest. GoNoodle launched the contest to celebrate teachers who enhance student engagement and learning by incorporating physical activity breaks, or “brain breaks,” in their classrooms.
GoNoodle is proud to announce the first place winner is Ms. Sarah Young, 2nd grade teacher at Fairview-Marguerite Elementary School in Morristown, TN. Ms. Young’s account of how GoNoodle brain breaks have transformed her classroom received 1,565 votes. “Life before GoNoodle meant that my kids sat at their seats. Transitions from activity to activity were boring, and students were distracted in the afternoon… GoNoodle has changed that for my classroom,” said Ms. Young, who received the top prize of $1,000 and classroom supplies.
The runner-up is Ms. Charlotte Hoogenhout from Sea Point Primary School in Cape Town, South Africa. Ms. Hoogenhout received 863 votes and shared in her entry “Before GoNoodle, life in the classroom was ordinary and without ‘oomph.’ Children suffered from numb bums and fidgety feet! My more challenging pupils gave me a rough time, as their energy wasn’t channeled properly. Now all of this is a thing of the past!” Ms. Hoogenhout received $500 and goodies to outfit her classroom in style.
In addition, the following contest finalists were named and received classroom supplies:
Alycia Eschler, Martin Luther King Elementary School, Colorado Springs, CO
David Higley, Cornelia Elementary School, Edina, MN
Karine Fortin, École Monseigneur Rémi-Gaulin, Kingstown, Ontario Canada
The Extreme GoNoodle Makeover contest received 1,582 entries generating almost 3,000 votes and hundreds of social media mentions and posts. Each finalist shared their stories through their social networks, rallying votes from family, friends, colleagues and community members.
To participate in the Extreme GoNoodle Makeover, teachers shared why brain breaks are important in their classroom and the finalists were selected based on their story, creativity and enthusiasm. The stories were published on the GoNoodle blog and the winners were selected by popular vote.
“We are thrilled that teachers from around the world are embracing physical activity breaks to inspire and motivate students to new levels,” said Scott McQuigg, CEO of GoNoodle. “We extend our thanks to all the teachers who participated and our congratulations to Mrs. Young and Ms. Hoogenhout.” To learn more about the winners and finalists, please visit our blog at http://blog.gonoodle.com.
About GoNoodle
GoNoodle is an online resource for elementary teachers to improve student engagement and youth health through physical activity breaks or “brain breaks.” Helping to increase energy and focus while improving classroom behavior, GoNoodle’s activities can be played on an interactive whiteboard, projector or computer screen. Since its launch in August 2013, over 2 million kids have played GoNoodle physical activity breaks. Teachers can sign up for free at http://www.gonoodle.com.