Brain Breaks

“A brain break is a short period of time when we change up the dull routine of incoming information that arrives via predictable, tedious, well-worn roadways.”

“Our brains are wired for novelty.”

“When we take a brain break, it refreshes our thinking and helps us discover another solution to a problem or see a situation through a different lens.”

“During these few minutes, the brain moves away from learning, memorising, and problem solving.”

“The brain break actually helps to incubate and process new information.”

3 novel brain breaks for students of all ages:

The Junk Bag: Pick any object out of the ‘junk bag’ (a bag containing household objects e.g. markers, scrap paper, can opener, pair of shoelaces…anything that one would find in a junk drawer) and ask students to come up with two ways this object could be reinvented for other uses. They can write or draw their responses. Once students have drawn or written about an invention, they can walk the room for one minute sharing and comparing.

Opposite Sides: Have students stand and blink with the right eye while snapping the fingers of their left hand. Repeat this with the left eye and right hand. Students could also face one another and tap the right foot once, left foot twice, and right foot three times, building speed they alternate toe tapping with their partner.

Squiggle Story: On a blank sheet of paper, whiteboard, or Promethean Board, draw one squiggly line. Give students one minute to stand and draw with their opposite hand, turning the line into a picture or design of their choice.