Introducing Brain Breaks from Busy Things
We all know the power of a quick breather! When writing lesson plans or marking, do you take a coffee break or maybe a short walk? The break from active thinking, change of scenery and distance from the task in hand can help you mentally process the work you’ve been looking at and re-energise you.
Well, that is fundamentally what a brain break is all about. Just as you perform better after a break, so will your pupils.
What is a brain break?
Brain Breaks are quick, structured breaks, that are included within the timetable to reset pupils’ minds so that they are ready to learn again.
Research indicates that these short breaks:
- can help with focus and attention, meaning the children actually learn more post-break, and
- reduce stress and anxiety, so improve children’s general wellbeing.
They are particularly useful for pupils who learn and think differently as these short activities can help prevent frustration and fatigue.
The Brain Breaks themselves need only be 5 minutes long and can be done individually or as a class.
Are there different types of brain break?
There are two main types of brain break:
Physical Brain Breaks: Perfect for letting off steam! Think dancing, jumping, or quick exercises.
Relaxing Brain Breaks: Calming activities like mindful breathing or sensory play to help children centre themselves.
Which you incorporate into your schedule will depend on the children’s individual needs at that point in time. Children who have had difficulty focusing and paying attention may need to let off steam with physical brain breaks, whilst other children may prefer calmer activities.
When planning brain breaks into your class’s schedule, it’s also worth considering the time of day. A very physical brain break may not be appropriate first thing in the morning if you’re then looking for a calm registration period or quiet reading session!
Busy Things’ Brain Breaks
We’ve made it super easy to incorporate brain breaks into your day with our new Brain Break areas — now available across all Key Stage setups! These areas are packed with fun, calming, and creative activities to help your pupils reset and recharge.
Within the area, you will find:
Mindful activities
Encourage focus with mindful colouring or crafting.
You can find lots of mindful colouring templates within our Wellbeing pack.
Sensory activities
Soothe busy minds with our Noisy Things and Pretty Things activities, which explore sounds and patterns in relaxing ways.
Try Singing squares here!
Fun activities
Last but not least, we have short, open-ended interactive activities, that are just fun.
Two of the most popular are Body boggle and Custom cars, both of which allow you to explore and create freely.
Play Custom cars here!
UNDER DEVELOPMENT! Physical Brain Break Activities!
Need brain break activities that will get the children moving? We’ve some activities in development that will mean you need to look no further than Busy Things!
Keep your eyes peeled for ‘Dog and Cat’s classroom workout’, where you’ll be able to join in with stretches, exercises and yoga poses!
You’ll be able to customise your workout by length, choose your exercises and opt in/out of the accompanying music.
What next?
Busy Things’ Brain Break areas are now live for all subscribers! Simply head into your setup and look for the Brain Break tile beneath the subject areas to get started.
We’ll be sure to let you know when Dog and Cat’s classroom workout is available. Keep your eyes on the blog and our social media channels to be the first to know!
Not a subscriber yet? Don’t miss out — take a free 28-day trial today and explore everything we offer, including these fabulous Brain Break activities.