Physical Movement Brain Break Activities
There have been quite a few times in my teaching career where I’ve had to ask if anyone is awake…Monday mornings especially. On those types of days or when the lesson has been one that students have been sitting and concentrating for a while, it’s a good idea to bring in physical movement.
Simon Says
An oldie but goodie is Simon Says. Have students stand up. You give directions by saying “Simon says,” then adding an action. You will do the action you are saying. Repeat a few times, then add an action without saying “Simon Says.” Those students who do the action sit down because you didn’t say “Simon Says” before it. Continue until you are left with a winner.
Just Dance Video
There are several Just Dance Videos for Kids on YouTube that you can share with your students. Upper elementary students especially like these types of breaks.
Quick note: Did you know that you can make ANY YouTube video project without ads in your classroom? It’s true. Add the url to the search, then add a – between the T and the U in the url address and it will make it widescreen without adds.
For example: https://www.yout-ube.com/…
Desk Drumming
I just recently discovered desk drumming and think it is a great option for small classrooms. It incorporates music, movement, rhyme, and engagement. Some teachers have made drumsticks using Noodles while others have students use their pencils.
Coach Corey Martin
Your students will LOVE the Coach Corey Martin videos. They are interactive videos that have your students moving in response to what is happening in the screen. There are running videos, dance videos, and more.
Would You Rather
An interactive Would You Rather not only gets kids up and moving, but it also helps them get to know each other better in a fun and interactive way. For this brain break activity, students read the options on the board and choose the one they prefer. To show their answer, they do the motion demonstrated on the following slide.
Interactions with Peers Brain Break Activities
During times where students have had to work for long periods of independent work (such as writing), having students participate in brain break activities that have them interact and talk with their peers is a great way to help them release some of that energy and need and to talk with friends.
Ultimate Rock, Paper, Scissors
Have all students pair up. Ask them to play 3 games. The student who won two out of three is the winner. Have the person who lost stand behind the person who beat them. They will follow that person around. The winner will go find another winner and play three games against that person. This will continue until there is one winner with all other students standing behind them.
Boom, Clap, Snatch
Similar to Simon Says, Boom, Clap, Snatch is a deep concentration and listening game, but it is played with a partner. Students sit in pairs across from each other with an object such a pencil, ruler, or spoon between them. The teacher calls out a series of booms and claps. The students clap out or slap out the series. When the teacher calls out snatch, both of the players try to grab the object. The person who snatches it, gets a point.
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Quiet Brain Break Activities to Settle Students Down
Sometimes students are engaged in active lessons and need a way to settle down. Bringing in quiet independent activities can help accomplish just that.
Breathing Exercises
Have students sit straight up in their chairs or on the floor. Then, have them inhale for 4 seconds and exhale for 8 seconds. Do this a few times to help them take a break and refocus.
Art For Kids Hub
Art for Kids Hub offers directive drawing instructions for students. There you’ll find all kinds of art lessons for kids, including how to draw, painting, and even origami.
Boggle
Students love games and challenges. Give students a Boggle board and see how many words they can come up with using the letters on the board. What I love about having this option available is that it also makes for a great early finishers activity as well as a fun indoor recess option.
Coloring
Coloring is a great stress relieving exercise that also helps clear the mind. Put on some soothing music on Spotify and give your students a motivational coloring page to work on during their brain break time. It’s especially perfect to ease stress during testing season.
Play-Doh
One of my student’s favorite options was playing with Play-Doh. Yes! Even in fourth and fifth grade. At the start of the school year, I gave each student a mini Play-Doh that they kept in a pouch in their desk. Whenever I would give them Free Choice for brain break, many of them chose this as their option.
Legos
If Play-Doh isn’t your thing, you can try having students use Legos. I gave each of my students a set of about 20 mini Legos. I gave this to them as another Free Choice break option which they also loved.
Word Search & Crossword Puzzles
Word searches and crossword puzzles are a great quiet activity that students can participate in. These can make great quiet activities but they can also work well as partner work allowing students to interact in a fun way.
Adding these fun brain breaks to your routine not only boosts focus but also creates a positive learning vibe. Enjoy these moments, and make your classroom a place where everyone thrives!
