A brain break is a short mental break that is taken during regular intervals of classroom instruction. Brain breaks are usually limited to five minutes and work best when they incorporate physical activities. They boost blood flow, send oxygen to the brain, and help kids better retain information. It can be as simple as taking five minutes to stand up, stretch, and run in place next to the desk or a short walk around the building. Research has shown that Brain Breaks increase students’ on-task behavior AND the amount of physical activity they get every day so it’s a win-win.
The best time to do a brain break is before, during, and/or after an activity. The essential purpose for a brain break is to help students refocus their attention and be ready to learn again. For example, if we have just finished a mini math lesson on counting, I may ask my students to count the steps it takes them to get back to their seats for a quick transition to the next activity. This helps with classroom management as well, because students will be so focused on counting their steps, they won’t have much time to chit chat during the transition period.
Research has shown that kids learn more quickly after they’ve exercised. The goal of brain breaks is to help brains shift focus. Getting up and moving, especially if they have been sitting for a while is ideal. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps with focus and staying alert. It also reduces stress and anxiety, making it easier to focus on important tasks.
But brain breaks don’t always have to be active. Relaxing, quiet activities can have similar benefits. They may also be a better option for kids who can get overstimulated by a physical brain break. Active breaks may make it tougher for these kids to settle back down to learning. Asking kids to do a short, guided meditation exercise, directed drawing, doodling or quiet stretching can work, too. Just a few minutes can be enough time to give the overworked area of the brain time to recharge.
Brain breaks can also be used at home. Brain breaks during homework or lengthy chores can help relieve frustration. They can also help kids learn to self regulate and self-monitor when they’re getting frustrated or losing track of what they’re doing. It’s good for all kids to know how to refresh and refocus. Check out some of these Brain breaks !