Incorporating brain breaks into the learning routine is a valuable strategy in both classroom and home settings. Recognizing that students benefit from brief mental breaks is crucial for maintaining focus and reducing stress. A well-planned break serves as a reset, allowing children to shift their focus, recharge, and return to learning tasks with renewed motivation.
It’s important to tailor the brain break activities to the individual needs of the students. Some may thrive with more active breaks, engaging in physical movements to release pent-up energy. Others may benefit from quiet and mindful approaches, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.
By offering a variety of activities that cater to different preferences, educators and parents can create an environment that supports optimal learning. Whether it’s a quick physical activity, a mindfulness exercise, or a short moment of reflection, these intentional breaks contribute to a positive and conducive learning experience for students.
A brain break can be as simple as 4 take five hand breathing or Simon Says. Over the years I have created many printable and digital brain breaks to use as a warmup during my occupational therapy sessions. I work with students in pre-school, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school, so I have activities geared to a range of ages and abilities. I work to design resources that meet a variety of developmental needs. These are great for occupational therapy activities, homeschool or for use in the classroom.
Check out these brain breaks in my free resource library.
If you are looking for digital options you can share many of my printable resources on-screen or check out these digital spinners and Boom cards. Many of my resources work well shared on an interactive whiteboard for the full class to follow. I am continuing to create animated gross motor BOOM cards for the seasons and holidays. Check out my TpT or Boom store for the newest additions.
Looking for ideas for the classroom you can print, laminate, and use for years to come…Check out these resources in my store. My Brain Break bundle includes 13 of my resources at a 20% discount. I often add new resources to my bundles. After purchase, you receive all additional products for free.
I hope that you’ve discovered valuable ideas to assist your students in seamlessly transitioning between tasks, revitalizing their energy, and returning to work with heightened focus and attention. These brain breaks are designed to cater to various needs, ensuring a holistic approach to maintaining an optimal learning environment in both classroom and home settings.
About the Author
I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and have been working in a public school system for more than 25 years. My resources can be found on TPT, BOOM Learning, Made by Teachers, Classful, and Your Therapy Source. I appreciate your interest wherever you wish to shop.
My mission is to help you find creative ideas to incorporate fine motor, visual perception, gross motor, and social-emotional learning into your lessons.
I hope you consider signing up for my Free Resource Library with your Email. I send out emails about once a week and share resources, tips, and planning ideas for your classroom or occupational therapy needs. Hopefully, these help your students work on building their skills in a fun and engaging way.
