New Ideas For Brain Breaks For Children

Jan 26, 2021

NEW IDEAS FOR BRAIN BREAKS FOR CHILDREN

Brain breaks are short physical activities that can improve students' attention, competence, fun, creativity, and information retention when combined with more focused academic work periods. These breaks can be as simple as doing high knees or jumping jacks before returning to schoolwork - at school or home.

WHAT IS A BRAIN BREAK?

The theory about brain breaks states that taking a break for the mind while the body is being activated promotes learning. Research has shown that taking periodic brain breaks can significantly improve children's ability to stay at work while being more focused. Also, for many students, shorter, more frequent lessons are more effective than fewer, longer lessons.

Some Important Tips for Brain Breaks

Depending on your child's age and level of interest, you can decide to dictate brain relaxation activities, let your child choose from a list of options, or let them come up with their brain break ideas. It is great to have a student's approval - but do not let a too complex or unrealistic activity break ideas that prevent you from getting back on track with their studies. Most notably, make brain breaks attractive, easy, and accessible when needed.

Below are some great options for indoor and outdoor activity breaks.

1. INDOOR BRAINS BREAKS

Here are some inspirational brain-breaking ideas that kids can do inside. Make sure your child has enough space to move.

Try Jumping Rope, Jumping Jacks, High Knees, or Other Jumps: Challenge your child to do a certain number of different types of jumps or ask how many jumps they can do in 60 seconds. Repeat this several times to break the record.
Marching, Running, Hopping, Crawling Bears, High-Step, or any Movement of their Choice around the House: Again, you can set a timer to motivate your child to run a particular course at an increasingly rapid pace.
Shadowbox: If your child is interested in boxing or martial arts, let them try out different sets of punches, uppercuts, cross jabs, hooks, and other punches. They can also try kicks, such as front kicks, sidekicks, and round kicks.
Do A Round of Hula Hoop Tricks: Take a hula hoop and set how long your child can keep going. From there, they can build in some advanced skills, such as moving the band up or down - and back again.
Shoot Baskets Over the Door Hoop: These easy to install baskets come with soft, internally secured balls, but kids can still enjoy the fun of basketball.
Play Keep it up with a Balloon or Beach Ball or Play another Fast-Paced Balloon Game: These activities could be more fun with a partner but can also be adapted to be played by yourself.
Have a Mini Dance Party: Pick a few songs and rock out. Alternatively, sing some songs or try karaoke. Many karaoke editions of trendy songs are available online for free.
Do Planks, Push-Ups, Downward-Facing Dogs, Stretches, or Yoga Poses: Your child could come up with their own series or do a mini-workout or yoga with your child. You might also consider a family plank challenge.
Jump or Bounce on a Mini Trampoline (or on the bed): Few activities make the jiggling and heartbeat more effectively (or comfortably) than jumping.
Create a Brain Break with several Activities, Locations & Variations on Paper Slips: Select a number and perform the task, e.g., Hop 10 times, on one foot, in the kitchen.
Do a Balance Test: Put a sheet or plastic plate on your baby's head and let them walk around the room while holding the plate in place.
Go on a Treasure Hunt: Tell your child to find something soft and purple or something that can play music and bring it back to you.
Breathe and Move: Have your child stand up and add movement to each breath. They can raise one leg to a bent knee, or a tree pose.

2. OUTDOOR BRAIN BREAKS

When the weather and your location permit, a brain break outside gives your child a different environment, a dose of fresh air, and often more freedom of movement, here are some fun activity break ideas that your child can take outdoors.

Walk or Run Around the Block to Get the Blood Pumped: Bring your dog if you have one. For extra motivation, set aside time for each lap and get your child to work at a set time.
Scoot, Bike, Skateboard, or Inline Skate around the Building: To do this efficiently, make sure you have their chosen transportation mode ready. Don't forget about the helmet.
Play Catch with a Family or Friend: Alternatively, if you have a basketball hoop nearby, you can dribble a football or basketball or shoot baskets.
Go Outside, Get Some Fresh Air & Play Fetch with your Dog: Playing with the ball with the cub increases the heart rate and relieves stress immediately. Then spend a few minutes cuddling or petting the dog.
Play on a Swing or Seesaw: Or a slide, a play structure, or a climber if that is practical.
Play Heads Up 7 Up Game: All you need is a smooth, level surface (a floor or a wall) and a bouncing ball.
Draw a Hopscotch Court on the Sidewalk with Chalk & Play Game: For children who would benefit from a long break and/or less physical activity, make some sidewalk drawings before returning to schoolwork.
Play a Fast Tennis Game or Badminton: If you have the necessary equipment, you can start a match or play volleyball with a partner. Alternatively, your kid can hit a tennis ball against a wall or backboard.

The Takeaway

Instead of arguing over homework, creating brain breaks can have the positive effect you want (kids learn and do homework) without pressure (or shouting). Moreover, the above suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg regarding brain break options. Use your imagination and your kid's interests - to find the best activity options for your child.

Also, parents, remember that you can join in the fun of brain break too. Your kids will enjoy their activity breaks more when you participate with them, and you will also get the physical and mental health benefits of a break. Taking the breaks together also shows the engagement you want to see in your child - and it is a great way to connect and show your child that you are on it together!

If you're looking for fun activities and exercise programs for your kids and teens reach out to us at Gantry Kids & Teens in New York. We're looking forward to working with you and your kids. Whether a novice or elite athlete, we got you covered with classes, after school, camps, the occasional Saturday night, private training or even celebrating a special event. We’re Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today! Contact us today.

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