Creating a brain break for your students is integral to ensuring that their mental health is taken care of. However, it can also be challenging to find ways to entertain them. Luckily, there are plenty of creative ideas out there for a variety of games and activities that kids can enjoy.
Deep breathing exercises
During October, you may want to incorporate deep breathing exercises as a brain break for students. This can help calm their minds and bodies, which can help them better prepare for class.
The breathing exercises are quick and easy to teach and can be used by both young and older students. They can be done individually or with the entire classroom. It is a great way to connect with your students and address their needs.
To practice, sit up straight in a chair. Breathe in deeply through your nose. Hold your breath for three seconds, and then exhale through your mouth. When you exhale, try to release all of your muscles. You should feel your stomach expand and shrink. If you have any difficulty, consult a medical professional.
Jumping jacks
Jumping jacks are a great activity to do in your classroom. The exercise works nearly every muscle in your body. It’s simple to do, no equipment is required, and a great way to get your kids moving.
Kids have tons of energy. If they’re not getting enough activity throughout the day, they can start to get bored. These breaks will help them regain focus and clarity.
Another easy active brain break idea is to have students do the “copycat” game. One person starts the game by whispering a word or phrase in the ear of the person beside them. They then pass the word or phrase back and forth until they’re back to the starter.
Charades
Charades are a great way to take a break from the day’s stressors. It is easy to play, fun, and can help players develop their skills. This game can be played with students, friends, or family.
This game promotes teamwork and listening. It is also a good exercise for non-verbal communication. If you are a teacher, you can incorporate charades into your lesson plans. Using this game in class will encourage students to think about what they are saying and how they are presenting their ideas.
Another advantage of playing charades is that it helps build teamwork. Players need to work together to guess a word or phrase.
Kinetic sand
Kinetic sand is a fun and educational brain break for students. It is a great way to improve fine motor skills, stimulate the creativity and imagination of your child, and develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills.
Kinetic sand is a non-toxic and allergen-free product. If you keep it in a sealed container, it can last a long time. The sand can be used for many different activities. Some of the more popular uses are for writing and drawing, creating slime, and ice cream.
In addition, kinetic sand can be used to make a clock. You can even write letters in it with a paintbrush. For a more advanced activity, you can use a geoboard to create a clock. There are also glow-in-the-dark versions of kinetic sand available.