Brain-Based LearningBrain Breaks for Your ClassroomA collection of our popular articles and videos illuminating the benefits of taking breaks on student productivity, creativity, well-being, and more. April 18, 2024Everyone Needs a Brain Break!Play & RecessThe Mysterious Power of Brain BreaksDuring breaks, it turns out, the brain works overtime. New research illuminates what kinds of breaks benefit learners the most.The Research Is InWe Drastically Underestimate the Importance of Brain BreaksWhen it comes to optimizing learning, we don’t value breaks enough, neuroscientists suggest in a new study.Youki TeradaResearchThe Science Behind Brain BreaksResearch shows that breaks can provide more than rest. Use them to boost creativity, cognitive function, and social skills.The Research Is InResearch-Tested Benefits of BreaksStudents are easily distracted, but regular, short breaks can help them focus, increase their productivity, and reduce their stress.Youki TeradaStudent Engagement4 Brain Breaks for Different Classroom NeedsThese brain breaks are designed to serve different purposes, and selecting the right one at the right time can yield positive results.Wendy TurnerIdeas for Elementary StudentsBrain-Based Learning9 Brain Breaks for Elementary StudentsTo boost creativity and productivity, take time out for movement, calming exercises, and a healthy dose of fun.Brain-Based LearningActivities That Prime the Brain for LearningBrain breaks and focused attention practices help students feel relaxed and alert and ready to learn.Lori DesautelsEarly Childhood Education8 Brain Breaks to Spark Joy and Help Young Students ConcentrateTheater games make fun brain breaks that also foster valuable executive function skills.Jocelyn GreeneTeaching Strategies60-Second Strategy: Jitter SticksWhen students need to get their wiggles out so they can settle down to learn, this simple movement-based brain break does the trick.Mental HealthActivating the Brain With Movement BreaksResearch has shown that short movement breaks help students get focused, improving both skill-building and knowledge retention.Classroom ManagementIncorporating the Calming Corner Into Station RotationElementary students benefit from opportunities to take a break from academic learning and explore activities that support their emotional development.Marie WellerIdeas for Middle and High School StudentsBrain-Based Learning17 Brain Breaks Tailored for High SchoolersAs high school students navigate more rigorous academic tasks and denser curricular material, the occasional 3-to-5-minute break delivers a wide range of benefits. Paige TuttBrain-Based Learning9 Brain Breaks That Teens Will LoveStudents are still learning, even during brief breaks, which serve to help them decompress, refocus, and process new information. Brain-Based LearningQuick Classroom Exercises to Combat StressThese brain breaks and focused-attention practices can help students cope with stress and trauma and focus on their learning.Lori Desautels
