Take a moment to think about what we ask of our students each day. As teachers, we strive to make every second count, filling the time with valuable learning opportunities. Now, consider this from the perspective of a non-teacher adult. When adults go to work, they aren’t expected to focus 100% of the time and make every second productive. In fact, coffee breaks, water cooler chats, or quick conversations over the cubicle wall are common occurrences in an office. Why? Because our brains need periodic breaks to keep working at their best. So why not incorporate this idea of brain breaks into the classroom? Today, I’m sharing a variety of brain breaks that will give your kiddos the break they need and set them up for success for the rest of the day! 

Benefits of Brain Breaks in the Classroom

If you haven’t yet added brain breaks to your classroom routine, I highly encourage you to give them a try. When I first started using brain breaks a few years ago, I was amazed at how much they improved my students’ focus and performance. They can be anything from a quick stretch or exercise to a silly dance.

These short, fun activities give our students a chance to reset and recharge, which leads to so many positive outcomes. First off, they help improve focus. After a quick break, our students come back to their tasks with renewed energy and attention. It’s like hitting the refresh button on their brains!

Brain breaks also boost creativity. When our students step away from their work for a moment, they often return with fresh ideas and new perspectives. It’s amazing to see how a little movement or a silly dance can spark creative thinking.

Plus, brain breaks are fantastic for building a positive classroom environment. They give everyone a chance to laugh, move around, and connect with each other. This sense of camaraderie can really enhance the overall classroom atmosphere and make learning more enjoyable for everyone.

And let’s not forget about the physical benefits. As we know, kids are full of energy. Brain breaks provide a healthy outlet for that. A quick stretch or some light exercise can help them burn off some of that excess energy. This makes it easier for them to sit still and concentrate when it’s time to get back to work.

Ideas for Brain Breaks to Do With Your Students

Now that we’ve covered the amazing benefits of brain breaks, you’re probably wondering how to get started. I’ve got you covered! Below, I’m sharing some of my favorite brain break ideas that are easy to implement and sure to get your students moving and grooving. Whether you’re looking for something quick and simple or a bit more involved, there’s a brain break for every classroom. So, let’s dive into some fun and engaging ideas that will keep your students energized and ready to learn!

1. Dance Party

Put on a fun, upbeat song, and let your students dance their hearts out for a few minutes. It’s a fantastic way to get them moving and laughing together.

2. Simon Says

A classic game that never gets old. Call out various actions for your students to follow, but only if you say “Simon says” first!

3. Stretch It Out

Lead a quick stretching session. Reach for the sky, touch your toes, and do some side stretches to help your students relax and refocus.

4. Freeze Dance

Play some music and let your students dance freely. When the music stops, they have to freeze in place. It’s great for listening skills and coordination.

5. Easy Brain Breaks with Jumping Jacks

Have everyone stand up and do a set of jumping jacks. It’s a quick way to get the blood flowing and boost energy levels.

6. Brain Break Cards

Create a set of cards with different activities on them. Let one of your students draw a card and lead the class in the chosen activity.

7. Chair Yoga

Guide your students through some simple yoga poses they can do while sitting at their desks. It’s calming and helps improve flexibility.

8. Mirror Movements

Pair up your students. Have one student be the leader while the other mirrors their movements. It’s a fun way to build focus and coordination.

9. Wiggle Time

Allow your students to stand up and wiggle or shake out their limbs for a minute. It’s a quick way to release pent-up energy.

10. Quiet Time

Have a minute of quiet. Have your students close their eyes and take deep breaths. It’s perfect for calming down and resetting the mood. It’s a great exercise after recess to get everyone ready to learn.

11. Animal Walks

Pretend to walk like different animals, such as a bear crawl, crab walk, or hop like a frog. It’s silly and gets everyone moving in creative ways.

12. Air Writing

Ask your students to stand and “write” letters or words in the air with their fingers. It’s a great way to practice spelling and get some movement in.

13. GoNoodle Videos for Brain Breaks

Use GoNoodle for short, engaging movement videos. They have a variety of activities that students love, from dancing to mindfulness.

14. Quick Quiz

Throw in a fun quiz with movement. Ask questions and have your students move to different corners of the room based on their answers.

15. Story Stretching for Brain Breaks

Read a story with lots of action words. As you read, have your students act out the movements. It combines literacy and physical activity.

16. Directed Drawing

Pass out a piece of paper to each of your students and have them take out their coloring supplies. Give students a minute to draw something related to the lesson or event happening at school. If you are having a little bit longer of a brain break, make sure to try out directed drawing videos! It’s a creative way to reinforce learning and take a short break.

17. Laughing Break

Tell a funny story or joke. Laughter is a great way to relieve stress and re-energize the classroom. You can share the joke, or you can have a couple of your kiddos share jokes they may have. 

18. Balloon Volleyball

Hit a balloon back and forth across the room. It’s a light-hearted game that keeps everyone engaged and active.

19. Speed Round Charades for Brain Breaks

Write down some easy actions or objects on slips of paper. Toss them into a bin or cup and shake them up. Have your students take turns acting them out while the class guesses. 

20. Line Up by…

Give your students a fun way to line up by asking them to arrange themselves in a specific order, like by birthday month or favorite color. It gets them thinking and moving!

Take Breaks with Brain Breaks!

Incorporating brain breaks into our daily classroom routine has been such a rewarding experience for both my students and me. These short, fun activities have truly transformed the way we approach learning, making it more engaging and enjoyable. From dance parties to quick charades, there are endless ways to give our brains a much-needed break and keep our energy levels high. So, don’t hesitate to try out some of these brain breaks in your own classroom. Test them all out because some will become your students’ favorite while others may not fit your class’ dynamic. I promise you’ll see a difference in your students’ focus, creativity, and overall happiness. 

Save for Later

Remember to save this post to your favorite teacher Pinterest board for when you need fresh ideas for brain breaks!