Brain Breaks in the Elementary Classroom!

Have you ever seen the energy level in your students disappear in a moment's time? Have you ever seen a student lay his/her head on a desk? Have you ever seen a student stare out the window, or up at the ceiling. Well, if you have...

It's time for Brain Breaks in your classroom!

We don't know if it is video games, TV, cell phones, iPads, or what, but today's students just don't seem to have the attention span that they used to. We have noticed that in longer classes such as 75 minutes for math (yes, our district requires that), we will lose the attention of our students if we don't incorporate movement, or brain breaks into our lesson.

Below are our top 6 Ways to take Brain Breaks in the classroom.

#1 Brain Break Activity Cards!
We have created 56 cards that can be laminated, cut out and used on a daily basis in your classroom. These cards each contain a brain break activity for the students to do. Some examples are: walk like a mummy, do a bear crawl, pretend to dribble and shoot, be a milkshake, strut like a chicken and so many more! These are sure to be a hit in your classroom! Get them by clicking here!

#2. YouTube Videos
There are many different short videos that you can find on YouTube that will get your students either moving, laughing or both. These are great brain breaks in the middle of a long class! One of our favorites is: Minions Dancing to the Song "Happy". There are tons more out there too! Just do some searching!

#3. Just Dance
Just Dance encourages children to dance in rhythm to the dancers on the screen. It is set to well-known songs so kids get excited every time it comes on. Just play the videos and watch your students jump out of their seats to do the dances! Here is one of our favorites: I Like to Move it.

#4. Music Playlist
At the beginning of the year, we have the students write down their favorite musician/band and their favorite songs. We then screen the lyrics for age-appropriate subject matter and lyrics. We then make a playlist on our iPods. Throughout the school year, we can use this playlist to pump up the class, or even play during quiet work time to make it more fun for the students.

#5. Quick Game/Activity
Playing a short game is also a great way to take a brain break. It may be as simple as tossing around a beach ball, koosh ball, or another sort of soft object. Or get the students out of their desks and have them do jumping jacks, sit ups, or jog in place. This helps students get some energy out, and wake them up!

#6. Pinterest Boards
Pinterest has become an amazing place to find great brain breaks as well! You will want to follow our Pinterest board titled Brain Breaks for Students to get even more great ideas!

Make sure to stop by next Wednesday for another installment of Wise Guys Words of Wisdom!