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💡 Offer brain breaks for kids to help increase attention in your students.
Brain breaks are short breaks from classroom instruction that may help students refocus and boost their learning!
These 3 types of age-appropriate brain break strategies will help recharge your middle school classroom.
Strategy #1: Movement Breaks
Try a peer challenge like rock, paper, scissors!
Or have students start a thumb war class challenge!
💡 Some kids might benefit from taking part in mindfulness-based exercises or sensory activities.
Strategy #2: Creative Breaks
Let students get creative for a few minutes, especially if you want to encourage them to think outside of the box!
Doodling can happen with just a pencil and paper and does not require student movement.
Coloring is calming and allows students to play with different color schemes.
Creative writing and journaling allow students to use their imagination. Stay away from academic prompts!
💡 Check out these non-academic writing prompts.
Did you know?
This Byte was created by a volunteer professional that wanted to share this insight to help you succeed - no agenda, no cost.
Strategy #3: Brainpower Breaks
If kids love being challenged, give them a break that requires them to use their brains in a different way!
Brain teasers are an engaging brain break for helping students develop critical thinking skills.
Sign language can be learned a little at a time during each break.
Triviaquestions can be a fun break as long as they are not related to the subject or lesson.
💡Check out this list of the best quiz and gameshow apps for classrooms.
Puzzles are a great challenge that can offer a memory boost when students need a break from academics.
💡Visit this link for a huge selection of both online and printable puzzles.
Scenario
Ms. Richards has a high energy 7th grade class. They struggle to focus for more than ten minutes at a time. She notices they're constantly moving in their seats. Her most successful lessons include hands-on activities.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on UnsplashQuiz
Which brain break for kids would work best for the kids in Ms. Richard’s class?
Ms. Richards' students would benefit greatly from a movement break. Doing stretches will provide an outlet for their high energy.
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This Byte has been authored by
Mindy White
Secondary Educator