The Power of Brain Breaks

Brain breaks are short breaks that are structured to help students recharge, reset, and refocus.

Helping students recognize when they need a mental or physical break from what they’re doing AND providing the opportunity for one can support self-regulation and self-awareness while increasing long-term productivity.

Also, it’s important to remember that the type of brain break needed is just as important as knowing when one is needed. Some ideas for brain breaks are:

• Freeze dance

• Wall push ups

• Jumping jacks

• Rocket jumps

• Animal yoga poses

• Infinity walks

• Directed drawing activity

• Would you rather?

• Line up by… (first name, middle name, birthday, street name, etc…)

• Breathing / meditation

Regardless of the type of brain break, a productive and effective brain brain should:

1. Consider everyone’s abilities and be inclusive

2. Require little to no additional equiptment or materials

3. Be time efficient to facilitate a smooth transition to and from learning

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