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You can also use verbal reminders like, “Wasn’t that fun? Now it’s time to get back to your homework!”

The timer provides a built-in warning that the break is winding down. Give specific instructions about how long the break will last, and explain the activity. A timer also helps kids learn what they can do in a set amount of time. You can use a timer to help kids understand how much time is passing. For instance, work for five minutes and then take a two-minute break. Interval breaks: Younger kids often benefit from taking breaks at timed intervals. There are two ways to schedule breaks: by intervals of time or by ratio of behaviors (number of tasks completed). (For example, taking a break after 10 minutes of silent reading may help kids finish 30 minutes of reading.) Or it may be a step on the way to accomplishing a larger goal. For others, it may be a reward for staying on task for a certain amount of time. See a sample sensory diet with over 50 activity suggestions.įor some kids, a brain break needs to happen when they’re getting frustrated or distracted. Or it could be tactile activities, like using Silly Putty. These might be oral-motor activities like chewing on a crunchy snack. Kids may also benefit from activities often used as part of a sensory diet. Rocket ship jumps (bending down, touching toes, and bouncing while counting down from 10, then blastoff) Stretching breaks that include yoga poses (dog, cat, cow, bug, rock) and animal walks (walk like a bear, hop like a frog, stand like a flamingo, fly like a bird)Ĭross crawls (touch hand to opposite knee) Here are some examples of movement brain breaks: In one study, kids were 20 percent faster at learning vocabulary words after they’d exercised than when they hadn’t. Research has also shown that kids learn more quickly after they’ve exercised. It also reduces stress and anxiety, making it easier to focus on important tasks. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps with focus and staying alert.

Sometimes that means getting up and moving, especially if kids have been sitting for a while. The goal of brain breaks for kids is to help the brain shift focus.