LIS 568 Review - GoNoodle

GoNoodle: The Good Energy Company 

If you’re looking for a way to make your library space even more engaging, check out GoNoodle! It’s a super fun platform that’s perfect for getting kids up and moving, boosting their focus, and even supporting their mental health. Whether you’re leading a group, helping students refocus, or just looking to mix things up, GoNoodle can be a great asset to us (librarians, educators, parents) as we try to develop well-rounded kiddos. It is a free platform that offers interactive videos aimed at getting kids to move, focus, and even practice mindfulness. It’s designed to help students release energy, calm down, and engage in learning in a more active way. There’s a mix of activities, including dances, exercises, and mindfulness practices, all with the goal of keeping kids active and engaged, whether in the classroom, library, or at home.

I am often curious as to how we can teach skills regarding emotional or mental wellbeing in a way that is actually fun and memorable for kids, as I know it wasn't something ever addressed while I was in school. If we introduce mental health practices early, it may come more second-nature to our students than it does to us who have had to learn these skills outside of school. So naturally, I was pumped to find this site. 

What We Can Do with GoNoodle

 Give Students a Brain Break 🧠💥 -- We all know how hard it can be to keep kids focused for long periods of time. GoNoodle is perfect for brain breaks—quick, energizing activities that help students refocus. After a storytime session or a group discussion, play a GoNoodle video to help your students release some energy and get back on track! These activities can be used to reset attention and create a more positive learning environment.

Create an Inclusive Library Environment 🌍🤝 -- GoNoodle isn’t just for kids with boundless energy! It’s for every student, whether they need to calm down, focus, or move. The activities support physical literacy, emotional wellness, and mental health in a way that makes all students feel included and accepted.  Also, there are "channels" dedicated to inclusivity, such as "Every Body All Together" and "Celebrate Black History." Much like with mental health education, this is a way to seamlessly incorporate big topics we encounter in everyday life, but may be difficult to approach with younger audiences. 

Make Learning Fun and Interactive 🎶📐-- GoNoodle isn’t just about breaks—it can also be an engaging way to reinforce academic lessons. For example, pair a literacy lesson with an interactive GoNoodle activity based on a book’s theme, or use a math-focused video to make numbers more exciting. GoNoodle helps turn boring lessons into interactive experiences that students will remember.

Address Emotional Wellness & Teach Social-Emotional Skills 🌈🧘‍♂️ -- With a range of activities that promote mindfulness, self-regulation, and stress management, GoNoodle teaches kids how to deal with tough emotions in a fun and accessible way. Mindfulness videos guide kids through calming techniques like deep breathing and body scans, giving them the tools to handle anxiety, frustration, or stress in an age-appropriate way.  There are also activities such as the "Mooderators," that teach kids these skills, and then incorporate extra materials such as printouts to reinforce these practices. 

GoNoodle also encourages kids to practice social-emotional skills like empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Many videos highlight collaboration and positive interaction, making it easier to teach lessons about kindness and cooperation. Students can practice these skills in a playful, engaging environment, helping them internalize the importance of emotional intelligence.

Share GoNoodle with Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 -- GoNoodle isn’t just a classroom tool—it’s a great resource for parents too! It could be beneficial to parents who seek guidance on how to help kids blow off steam after school, manage big feelings, or teach stress management.

The Best Part: It’s Free! 🎉💸 --  It’s easy to use and packed with value. Just plug it into your library lessons or share it with teachers and parents—no complicated setup required! With quick, 3-5 minute videos, GoNoodle fits perfectly into a busy day.

Limitations 

While GoNoodle can be a helpful resource, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

Limited for Older Students 🎓  -- GoNoodle’s content is primarily designed for elementary and early middle school students. For older kids, the videos may feel too childish or not engaging enough. It might not offer enough variety to hold the attention of high school students or older middle schoolers.

Lack of Personalization 🛠️  -- GoNoodle offers a lot of general content, but there’s little room for personalizing the activities based on individual students' needs or preferences. It’s a one-size-fits-all resource, which might not always work for every student or situation.

Limited in-depth Educational Content 📚 -- While GoNoodle has some educational videos, they’re mostly focused on physical activity, mindfulness, and general topics. It may not have the depth that teachers or librarians may want when looking for academic resources.

Wrapping Up

Overall, GoNoodle is a fun, free resource that can add some energy and mindfulness to a library or classroom, or even at home as a parent resource. While it’s not perfect for every student or situation, it can definitely be a great tool for younger kids who need a little break or some help with focus and emotional well-being. If you’re looking to get your students moving, calm down after a hectic session, or introduce them to mindfulness, GoNoodle could be a great fit. As with any resource, it’s all about how you use it!

Thank you for reading! :) - Ahnalese