As Thanksgiving and winter break approach, kids get fidgety and may need some encouragement and help focusing on school work. Brain breaks are “quick, structured breaks using physical movement, mindfulness exercises, or sensory activities.” Use these quick brain break activities to give students a chance to let out some pent up energy in a positive way. These tips offer educators and students a chance to break up the day and add in more healthy physical activities!
Hear-See-Do Brain Break Ideas to Increase Classroom Focus
- Help kids hear the message that an active break helps them refocus on school work.
- Let them see examples of quick and easy movements they can try.
- Let them do by performing active play brain breaks.
Below are three Hear-See-Do ideas to help kids refocus.
Crossovers (right & left brain exercises)
Have kids move their right elbow across their body to their left knee as they are raising it. Touch and resume to standing. Do the same with the left elbow and right knee. Repeat these two movements back and forth continuously for 2-3 minutes.
Pencil Jumps
For a quick movement break between lessons, have each student place a pencil on the floor. On command kids are to jump over their pencil a designated number of times.
Over, Under, In-Between
For younger elementary kids, have them hop over, crawl under or walk (skip, gallop) in-between various items in the classroom.
More Brain and Body Ideas for the Classroom
Looking for more ideas to get your students up and moving and increase focus during classroom time? Check out other articles in our Healthy Students category page, or see one of the suggested posts below for inspiration!
Fun Physical Activity Breaks for Your Classroom
Real Teacher Tips for Keeping Fidgety Kids Focused
