Unit 2: Integration of Movement for Brain Breaks
Learning Objectives
Learners will:
- Read research and watch video clips that discuss and show examples of how to give students brain breaks throughout the day
- Identify examples of activities that can be used as brain breaks in the classroom
- Complete a 3-2-1 reflection activity
- Complete a quiz to assess their learning
What the Research Says
Brain research shows that moving while learning is beneficial. When students move and are active, it ignites areas of the brain and improves neuron connections, helps to develop different areas of the brain. Additionally, there are several mental health benefits such as lowered anxiety and depression.
Kleinjan (2020) noted that movement has had a positive effect on memory, concentration, and behavior. "Students who have a high level of aerobic activities have better reading scores in comparison to students who are less fit." Physical activity does not need to just happen when students are in gym class or recess. Incorporating movement into the day can be done in a multitude of ways including brain breaks between lessons, physical activity breaks, gestures and more, which all provide ways for students to keep moving throughout the day!
💭 In your teacher preparation programs was the topic of movement integration ever brought up?
✍️ You can jot down your notes and reflections here!
What is a Brain Break?
A brain break is a short mental break that is taken during classroom instruction and are usually limited to five minutes. They work best when they incorporate physical activities. Brain breaks help facilitate opportunities for students to breathe, relax, recharge and refocus their attention.
Depending on the situation and the student. A different brain break may be required. Students who struggle with focus, attention, and hyperactivity may need more energizing brain breaks whereas other students may need to quiet their minds and do some meditation.
When is the Right Time to Do a Brain Break?
The best time to do a brain break is before, during, and/or after an activity. The purpose for a brain break is to get students refocused and ready to learn again. It's also important to note that. Brain breaks should take place before fatigue, boredom, distraction, or inattention set in (Cox, 2019).
The type of brain break selected and length of it needs to be intentional to meet the needs of the students. Some examples of types of brain breaks include: those based on breathing or relaxation, those based on physical activity, and those which focus on mental activity- or any combination of the three (Weslake and Christian, 2015).
Now that you have read research and watched a Ted Talk (in Unit 1) about the benefits of integrating movement into the classroom- mentally, emotionally, physically, and academically - let's dive into exactly how this could be incorporated into your classroom.
Brain Break Ideas
Below is a video that gives brain break recommendations for elementary school students:
Rewatch the Ted Talk given by Michael Kuczala paying specific attention to his brain break suggestions.
🤔 After watching the videos, which brain breaks did you like the most? Can you envision using any of them with your own group of students? If so, which?
✍️ You can jot down your notes and reflections here!
Brain Break Ideas
Take a look at the following list of brain breaks that are categorized into mindful, physical education, and educational ideas.
💭 Which brain break would be appropriate for a group of 2nd graders?
💭 Which brain break would be appropriate for a group of 6th graders?
💭 Which brain break would be appropriate for a group of 10th graders?
✍️ You can jot down your notes and reflections here!
Reflection Activity 3-2-1
Jot down 3️⃣ things you learned and are taking away with you from this unit.
Jot down 2️⃣ things you found interesting from this unit.
Jot down 1️⃣ question you still have.
📝 Complete this quick quiz to assess your learning!
➡️ After completing all of the learning activities, move onto Unit 3
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