Sometimes its good to have some generic activities on hand for that moment your students need a kinesthetic activity.  I saw fruit chews on sale for $1 a box and purchased some toothpicks.  I decided to make the Golden Gate Bridge, since that is what we studied in history that day.  We grabbed the tablet and looked at pictures of the bridge.  Their spirits were instantly lifted and a ho-hum day turned into a fun day.  Success!