Brain Breaks for Your Classroom: A Collection of Ideas

 

 From:

https://www.edutopia.org/package/brain-breaks-for-your-classroom?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Spring+25&utm_id=Spring25&utm_content=collection&fbclid=IwY2xjawKmrn9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFGbUFGelYwMmdCOFIxaUxkAR7OgZlqWL8Ay8LsTucpuM71EJRAxLsuJehasDYukBhNDJy7Gg1ij4o2i7Uy9Q_aem_jIvuCjKVuuWpnqRngcN-UA 

Brain-Based Learning

Brain Breaks for Your Classroom

A collection of our popular articles and videos illuminating the benefits of taking breaks on student productivity, creativity, well-being, and more.

April 18, 2024

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  Play & Recess

  The Mysterious Power of Brain Breaks

  During breaks, it turns out, the brain works overtime. New research illuminates what kinds of breaks benefit learners the most.
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  The Research Is In

  We Drastically Underestimate the Importance of Brain Breaks

  When it comes to optimizing learning, we don’t value breaks enough, neuroscientists suggest in a new study.

  Youki Terada
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  Research

  The Science Behind Brain Breaks

  Research shows that breaks can provide more than rest. Use them to boost creativity, cognitive function, and social skills.
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  The Research Is In

  Research-Tested Benefits of Breaks

  Students are easily distracted, but regular, short breaks can help them focus, increase their productivity, and reduce their stress.

  Youki Terada
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  Student Engagement

  4 Brain Breaks for Different Classroom Needs

  These brain breaks are designed to serve different purposes, and selecting the right one at the right time can yield positive results.

  Wendy Turner

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  Brain-Based Learning

  9 Brain Breaks for Elementary Students

  To boost creativity and productivity, take time out for movement, calming exercises, and a healthy dose of fun.
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  Brain-Based Learning

  Activities That Prime the Brain for Learning

  Brain breaks and focused attention practices help students feel relaxed and alert and ready to learn.

  Lori Desautels
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  Early Childhood Education

  8 Brain Breaks to Spark Joy and Help Young Students Concentrate

  Theater games make fun brain breaks that also foster valuable executive function skills.

  Jocelyn Greene
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  Teaching Strategies

  60-Second Strategy: Jitter Sticks

  When students need to get their wiggles out so they can settle down to learn, this simple movement-based brain break does the trick.
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  Mental Health

  Activating the Brain With Movement Breaks

  Research has shown that short movement breaks help students get focused, improving both skill-building and knowledge retention.
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  Classroom Management

  Incorporating the Calming Corner Into Station Rotation

  Elementary students benefit from opportunities to take a break from academic learning and explore activities that support their emotional development.

  Marie Weller

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  Brain-Based Learning

  17 Brain Breaks Tailored for High Schoolers

  As high school students navigate more rigorous academic tasks and denser curricular material, the occasional 3-to-5-minute break delivers a wide range of benefits.

  Paige Tutt
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  Brain-Based Learning

  9 Brain Breaks That Teens Will Love

  Students are still learning, even during brief breaks, which serve to help them decompress, refocus, and process new information.
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  Brain-Based Learning

  Quick Classroom Exercises to Combat Stress

  These brain breaks and focused-attention practices can help students cope with stress and trauma and focus on their learning.

  Lori Desautels

 

Why Kids Struggle With Transitions: The Inspired Treehouse

 FROM: 

Posted by: Early Childhood Development Cdenter (ECDC)

Credit: The Inspired Treehouse 

ECDC.nd.edu 

 

So Important! Why are transitions so tough for kids?

It’s not just that they “don’t want to stop playing.” There are real developmental reasons behind those tricky moments between activities:

They don’t fully understand time

Executive functioning skills are still developing

Emotional regulation can be hard, especially when they’re asked to stop something they love

Not knowing what’s next can feel overwhelming

If you’ve seen tears, refusals, or big feelings during transitions… you’re not alone. The struggle is real—and it’s valid.

Thanks and Credit - The Inspired Treehouse