Brain-Based Learning

Brain Breaks for Your Classroom

A collection of our popular articles and videos illuminating the benefits of taking breaks on student productivity, creativity, well-being, and more.

April 18, 2024

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Play & Recess
The Mysterious Power of Brain Breaks
During breaks, it turns out, the brain works overtime. New research illuminates what kinds of breaks benefit learners the most.
The Research Is In
We Drastically Underestimate the Importance of Brain Breaks
When it comes to optimizing learning, we don’t value breaks enough, neuroscientists suggest in a new study.
Youki Terada
Research
The Science Behind Brain Breaks
Research shows that breaks can provide more than rest. Use them to boost creativity, cognitive function, and social skills.
The Research Is In
Research-Tested Benefits of Breaks
Students are easily distracted, but regular, short breaks can help them focus, increase their productivity, and reduce their stress.
Youki Terada
Student Engagement
4 Brain Breaks for Different Classroom Needs
These brain breaks are designed to serve different purposes, and selecting the right one at the right time can yield positive results.
Wendy Turner

Brain-Based Learning
9 Brain Breaks for Elementary Students
To boost creativity and productivity, take time out for movement, calming exercises, and a healthy dose of fun.
Brain-Based Learning
Activities That Prime the Brain for Learning
Brain breaks and focused attention practices help students feel relaxed and alert and ready to learn.
Lori Desautels
Early Childhood Education
8 Brain Breaks to Spark Joy and Help Young Students Concentrate
Theater games make fun brain breaks that also foster valuable executive function skills.
Jocelyn Greene
Teaching Strategies
60-Second Strategy: Jitter Sticks
When students need to get their wiggles out so they can settle down to learn, this simple movement-based brain break does the trick.
Mental Health
Activating the Brain With Movement Breaks
Research has shown that short movement breaks help students get focused, improving both skill-building and knowledge retention.
Classroom Management
Incorporating the Calming Corner Into Station Rotation
Elementary students benefit from opportunities to take a break from academic learning and explore activities that support their emotional development.
Marie Weller

Brain-Based Learning
17 Brain Breaks Tailored for High Schoolers
As high school students navigate more rigorous academic tasks and denser curricular material, the occasional 3-to-5-minute break delivers a wide range of benefits.
Paige Tutt
Brain-Based Learning
Brain Breaks That Teens Will Love
Students are still learning, even during brief breaks, which serve to help them decompress, refocus, and process new information.
Student Engagement
4 Brain Breaks for World Language Learners
When students who are learning a new language engage in playful games that include movement, they return to lessons energized and refreshed.
Brain-Based Learning
Quick Classroom Exercises to Combat Stress
These brain breaks and focused-attention practices can help students cope with stress and trauma and focus on their learning.
Lori Desautels
Brain-Based Learning
9 Brain Breaks to Foster Connection in Middle School
Just a few minutes of collaboration, movement, and community-building can create a more positive and productive middle school learning environment.