WELLBEING AND INCLUSION

What are brain breaks?

Brain breaks are short, regular breaks throughout the school day that increase regulation, increase productivity and decrease stress. They are usually less than 4 minutes and support renewed focus and attention.

Why use brain breaks?

No matter how young or old we are, we all need to take a break from focused attention. Brain breaks are a powerful way to address self-regulation needs, help with attention and impact positively on learning in the classroom. Research shows that periodic breaks throughout the day boost productivity. In fact, brain breaks are a key part of learning, helping students process what they’ve learned by consolidating memories and making connections to other ideas.

What do brain breaks look like at school?

There are different types of brain breaks. Some brain breaks happen with the whole class and others might be for small groups or individuals. The brain break may be a movement break, a calm break or a sensory break. Movement breaks might involve stretches, yoga poses, jumping jacks or a walk with Willow our Therapy dog. Calm breaks may include different deep breathing techniques or mindfulness, while sensory breaks may include fidget tools, colouring or a visit to the sensory room.

How can you use and support brain breaks at home?

Children are required to complete tasks at home, both those as part of the homework program and those that are family directed. Often planning for or using a brain break can help!

1.  Notice when your child is not yet ‘Ready to learn’. Is your child’s energy or attention low? They might be staring out the window, unable to concentrate, easily distracted or having trouble getting started with a task. Or you might notice too much energy, stress, worry or anxiety. Maybe your child can’t sit still, is fidgeting or moving around or has heightened emotions.
2. Say, ‘I think it’s time for a brain break. What kind of activity do we need to do to get ‘Ready to learn?
3. Choose a brain break that supports getting back to being, ‘Ready to learn’. If the energy is flat, choose something that is physical, active or funny. Share a funny story, a joke or choose a movement game. If your child is anxious or worried, choose something that is calming for the mind and body. Stretch your body, play with a pet, have a walk or listen to music.
4. Check in and notice. Are we now, ‘Ready to learn?’ Let’s get started again.

Brain Breaks for a healthy life.

Our aim is for students to build self-awareness and develop an understanding of when they need a brain break so they can use this knowledge to set themselves up for success during life.

Source: The Science Behind Brain Breaks and Berry Street

Virginnia Gilham and Sarah Jeffreys