Brain breaks: An evidence-based behavior strategy
Brain breaks can help students reset, focus, and get ready to learn. Find out how to use brain breaks in the classroom. Plus, get a printable list of brain break ideas.
When you’re creating a lesson plan or reviewing student work, do you often need a break? Do you take a walk or listen to your favorite song to get your mind refocused? Your students need these “brain breaks,” too.
What are brain breaks?
Brain breaks are quick, structured breaks. They can use physical movement, mindfulness exercises, or sensory activities. Brain breaks can be done individually (like deep breathing) or as a whole class (like a round of Simon Says).
Different brains need different kinds of breaks. For example, students who struggle with focus, attention, and hyperactivity may need more energizing breaks. Other students may need to quiet their minds.
No matter what the type or form, brain breaks take only a few minutes of instructional time. They give your students a brief rest from what they’re doing. And that helps their brains shift focus and return ready to work and learn.
Video: See two brain breaks in action
Here are two examples of brain breaks you can use in the classroom.
Energizing brain break
Take a dance break with this video from Koo Koo Kanga Roo.
Mindfulness brain break
Watch how students at the Momentous School take a break with “flower and candle” breathing.
How to use brain breaks in the classroom
Objective: After taking a one- to five-minute teacher-directed or self-directed break, students will be ready to refocus on what they’re supposed to be doing.
Grade levels (with standards): K–5 (CASEL Core SEL Competencies: Self-management)
Best used for instruction with:
Whole class
Individuals
How to prepare
As you plan your lessons — especially ones with a lot of teacher talk or complex material — build in time for brain breaks. Plan a break before fatigue, distraction, or lack of focus sets in. This may be after 10 to 25 minutes of intensive work.
How to use
1. Start the brain break. Set a timer and begin the break. Remember, the break should only be one to five minutes long. Try using a visual timer so students can see the time remaining.
2. Read the room. As students start their breaks, be prepared to provide support and adjust the brain break as necessary. For example:
You may have planned for an energizing break. But if your students are overly energetic, you may switch to a calming break instead.
If a few students are having trouble with the brain break, use a prompt to get them back on track. Or model the activity by doing it near the students.
Some students will need modifications. For instance, students who have motor skills challenges may not be able to hop on one foot. Instead, have them jump on two feet.
Some students might feel uncomfortable about group brain breaks. Decide on a nonverbal signal that students can use to let you know they’re opting out.
3. Wrap up the break. Give verbal reminders of how much time remains for a break: “We’ll be going back to work in two minutes.” A calm, 10-second countdown at the end of the break can help.
4. Talk about the experience. If this is the first time your students took a brain break, encourage them to talk about how it helped. Explain that you’ll be using different kinds of breaks so they can learn which ones work best for them.
Download a list of brain break ideas
Check out this printable list of brain breaks organized by type and time of day. It was created by Understood Teacher Fellow TJ Thornton.
Brain breaks bankPDF - 300.9 KB
Why brain breaks work
Students who learn and think differently sometimes get tired easily. They may have a low tolerance for frustration. Or trouble figuring out how to approach their work. Switching up what they’re doing can help break those patterns. Research shows that brain breaks can serve that purpose.
Movement is an ideal brain break for many students. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This can help with focus and attention. In one research study, students learned vocabulary words 20 percent faster after exercising. Exercise also reduces stress and anxiety. That makes it easier to focus.
Relaxing brain breaks may work best for students who get overexcited or have trouble with self-regulation. They help calm students. Their minds can then settle enough to shift focus.
Families can use brain breaks at home to help during homework or lengthy chores. Share with families more information about the benefits of brain breaks and how to use them at home.
