brain breaks in elementary schools

rmc.org Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Strategies for Schools

Brain Breaks

in Elementary Schools Why Brain Breaks? Brain Breaks, also called Classroom Energizers or Brain Boosts, are active movements designed to help students refocus for learning. They can be energizing or relaxing, depending on what the class needs at the time of the break. Brain Breaks are enjoyable for students and beneficial for the brain. The brain shifts its attention and focus about every ninety minutes. A short break from focused concentration gives the brain a chance to consolidate information for better retention and retrieval of learned concepts and material. The physical movement increases blood flow, bringing more oxygen to the brain, which leads to improved concentration. Students are more ready to learn after the break. Evidence shows that participation in “Brief classroom physical activity breaks (i.e., 5–10 minutes) are associated with improved cognitive performance (e.g., attention, concentration), classroom behavior (e.g., on-task behavior), and educational outcomes (e.g., standardized test scores, reading literacy scores, math fluency scores) among students” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health and Academic Achievement, 2014). Frequently Asked Questions Q: What can schools do to support Brain Breaks? A: Here are a few suggestions: • Principals can ask teachers to try Brain Breaks in their classrooms. (Please see the following Sample

Teacher Letter Regarding Brain Breaks.) • Give a list of easily accessible, free, and low-cost tools and resources to teachers. (Please see the Brain

Breaks in Elementary School Classrooms for a list of ideas.) • Write about the importance of Brain Breaks and share a success story in the school’s newsletter. Post

information on the school’s website or Facebook page, or through other social media. • Take pictures of students enjoying Brain Breaks and post them in the hallways and on classroom

bulletin boards. • Discuss Brain Breaks at school wellness team meetings. Consider joining your school’s wellness team

or starting a team if there is not one already.

Q: What are the barriers to incorporating Brain Breaks in classrooms? A: Teachers commonly perceive a lack of time and do not have easily accessible, free, or low-cost resources and tools. However, Brain Breaks take only a couple of minutes and add value to instructional time. Effective Brain Breaks are designed not to be time consuming or cumbersome, and teachers can see immediate benefits with their students. (Please see the Brain Breaks in Elementary School Classrooms list for easily accessible, free, and low-cost tools and resources.)


Sample Teacher Letter Regarding Brain Breaks Dear Teachers, Name of Elementary School is creating a healthier school environment by supporting Brain Breaks in all of our classrooms. Brain Breaks, also called Classroom Energizers or Brain Boosts, are active movements designed to help students refocus for learning. They can be energizing or relaxing, depending on what the class needs at the time of the break. Evidence shows that participation in “Brief classroom physical activity breaks (i.e., 5-10 minutes) are associated with improved cognitive performance (e.g., attention, concentration), classroom behavior (e.g., on-task behavior), and educational outcomes (e.g., standardized test scores, reading literacy scores, math fluency scores) among students” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health and Academic Achievement, 2014).

Brain Breaks are part of the School Wellness Team Plan/School Health Improvement Plan: “During the 2014–15 school year, all classrooms will use a Brain Break activity to increase physical activity for a minimum of 5–10 minutes a day.” Teachers are encouraged to try different Brain Breaks to see which work best for their classroom and students. Please see Brain Breaks in Elementary School Classrooms for a list of easily accessible, free, and low-cost tools and resources. The Brain Breaks in Elementary School Classrooms list is not comprehensive, and creative ideas are always welcomed. If you have suggestions for Brain Breaks, please share with other teachers at staff meetings and/or School Wellness Team meetings. We appreciate your support! We welcome teachers on the School Wellness Team. Meetings are held every month on day, time, and location. For more information on the School Wellness Team and/or Brain Breaks, please contact the School Wellness Team Co-leaders at phone # and e-mail. Sincerely, School Wellness Team and Principal Name and Signature


Brain Breaks in Elementary School Classrooms There are a variety of Brain Breaks to choose from. This list is not comprehensive; however, it is a great start for elementary school teachers. Keep in mind that some Brain Breaks are more energizing than others. Observe your students to see what type of movement is best for them at the time. In the afternoon, students are usually ready to be refreshed and energized. Right before a test, students may benefit from Brain Breaks that are relaxing and calming, such as certain yoga poses.

Free Tools and Resources • 5210 Let’s Go, Motor Break Activities for the Classroom – The 5210 Wellness Committee at

Lincoln Middle School created a set of easy-to-download activity cards for staff. (letsgo.org/wp-content/uploads/Activity_Cards_for_the_Classroom.pdf)

• Active Academics, Learning on the Move! – Active Academics® is a resource for classroom teachers to provide practical physical activity ideas that can be integrated into regular classroom content areas. It requires simple online registration. Search for “Classroom Energizers” after you register and log in. (activeacademics.org)

• GoNoodle – Sign up online for access to short classroom Brain Breaks that can be viewed on the wall, a screen, or an interactive white board. (gonoodle.com)

• JAM (Just-a-Minute) School Program – Simple fitness routines are designed to take “just-a-minute.” Sign up online for access to these movements and other free wellness tools. (jamschoolprogram.com)

• Learning Landscapes Toolkit Brain Breaks – Get moving with these online classroom brain breaks. (rmc.org/heal)

• North Carolina Energizers – These classroom-based physical activities have been evaluated and found to show improvements in students’ physical activity levels. (eatsmartmovemorenc.com/Energizers/Texts/K-5-Energizers.pdf)

• Pinterest Board – Sign up for an account to have access to a variety of ideas for classroom Brain Breaks on the Pinterest boards. (pinterest.com)

• Take a Break! Cards, Greeley Public Schools – These easy-to-download cards are an innovative and fun way to promote physical activity and mental alertness throughout the day. (greeleyschools.org/Page/11394)

• YouTube – Search for Elementary Classroom Brain Breaks. Always make sure to preview each one for suitability before watching with students. (youtube.com)

Low-Cost Tools and Resources • Fit Sticks – Let students choose from a set of sticks labeled with 1–2 minute activities (march or

jog in place, jump rope with an invisible rope, jog 2–3 laps around the classroom, etc.). You can make your own Fit Sticks with students, or order ready-to-use “Healthy Kids Club, Minds in Motion Fit Sticks,” ($18 per cup or $16 for 10 or more). (uchealth.org/northerncolorado/Documents/file-pdf/PVH-WELL-HKResourceOrder-Form.pdf)

• Take 10! – This kit includes 10-minute, grade-specific, structured activities. Each TAKE 10! kit costs $82. (take10.net)

• Yoga 4 Classrooms Activity Cards – One deck of yoga cards costs $32. (yoga4classrooms.com)

For higher cost Brain Breaks resources, look for grant opportunities and work with the School Wellness Team to apply for funding.