According to Brain Balance<\/a>, a second grader\u2019s attention span ranges from 14-24 minutes. Yep, that means the average time that your students should be able to maintain focus is just 2-3 times their age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully the days are long gone where we expect our 7-year-old students to sit still at their desks all day long. We are growing in our knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and adjusting the way we teach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Brain Breaks are quick (and oftentimes planned) activities that give students a mental reset. They do not take up a lot of instructional time, yet provide your class with many benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Giving students brain breaks can help to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Breaks can range from a quick 5-minute structured game to dances, to deep breathing techniques. Let\u2019s start with some of my favorite brain break games!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simon Says likely doesn\u2019t need an introduction. This timeless favorite is a quick brain-break game guaranteed to get everyone involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip!<\/em><\/strong> I like to be Simon so I can get the whole class up and moving before I try to get them \u201cout\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Freeze Dance is always a fan favorite in my class. I turn on some popular Kidz Bop songs and have everyone free dance until the music stops. After freezing, they try to hold the statue pose until the music turns back on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have an extra chatty class, they will appreciate the chance to play \u201cFind Someone Who\u201d . I typically put up a prompt on the board and students have to walk around asking their classmates questions until they find someone who matches the description. It\u2019s a great way to build social skills and strengthen your classroom environment as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples of Prompts:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are looking for a slightly quieter and more structured game, a round of \u201c4-corners\u201d is a great way to get your kids up and moving. All you need to do is to number your corners and find one die to roll. Bonus points if it\u2019s a large die!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, have the students choose a corner and roll the die. If you roll their number (1-4), everyone in that corner has to go sit down. Keep playing until there is one student left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are so many fun YouTube channels that are dedicated just for brain breaks in the classroom. Here are some of the best!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Learning Station channel<\/a> has some great options for younger students. \u201cMove with Me\u201d<\/a> is a great choice as it tells students exactly what to do so it\u2019s great for getting even your shyest students up and moving!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Brain](\"https:\/\/aroundthekampfire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Brain-breaks-for-elementary-kids-1024x531.jpg\")
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Brain Break Games<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Simon Says<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Freeze Dance <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Find Someone Who<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4 Corners<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
YouTube Channels and Videos for Brain Breaks in the Classroom<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Learning Station <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n