Thanks to the pandemic, screen time is dominating our lives right now, which means balancing strategies are needed to ensure we aren’t always plugged-in. Clairbourn School teachers are great at this. Even in traditional school, our teachers help students find balance so they stay productive. Cara Barker’s middle school classes (featured in the video below) are a great example of using the “brain breaks” strategy to make sure students stay healthy, productive, and focused—and this is something everyone can easily do at home to recharge and rebalance their minds and bodies.
Did you know that brain breaks not only help students burn off pent-up energy, but these activities also improve behavior, engagement with instruction, and cognitive performance? Brain breaks may look like play, but according to SimplyKinder’s article, “Brain Breaks Old School & Kindergarten Style,” the smiling, laughing, and activity associated with play activate parts of the brain associated with learning. Those interested in the research can check out these links, sourced by SimplyKinder.com, showing that brain breaks improve behavior, engagement and cognitive performance.
When a child shows signs of sinking into states of low energy or distraction, those are indicators that it’s time for a brain break. Here are some resources for quality brain break ideas:
For students in Grades K through 5, try these feel-good, educational dance break videos like “Banana Banana Meatball” and “Clap it Out” from content creators Blazer Fresh. Middle school students will enjoy the challenge of learning Finger Tutting (finger dancing) or some TikTok dance challenge components like the “C-Walk.” Cheery movement videos from The Wiggles like “Open, Shut Them,” or “Say the Dance, Do the Dance” are perfect for preschool children.
It is easy to get started—and once you learn the dances or other brain break activities, you can skip the video accompaniment. Find additional inspiration from this Pinterest page and record the activities your child will like on this handy downloadable chart from ActionForHealthyKids.org.
Clairbourn School Provides Private School Education for Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Middle School Grades | Serving Families in the Pasadena, California, Area and Surrounding Cities (K-12 Private Schools) Clairbourn is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Click here to request information.
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