Brain Boosts with Brain Breaks

Goals for Today Research How To Barriers to Implementation Resources Planning Time

What are Brain Breaks? Brain Breaks are an engagement strategy. Quick activities that change or focus the mental state of learners. The brain break is a chance to hit the reset button-and increase blood flow. Sarah Benes said, “The idea is that you give your students bodily cues to remember information, it acts like an additional anchor in their brain.” Incorporating Brain Breaks Moving to Improve Andrew Thurston

Research Behind Brain Breaks

How do Brain Breaks help? Studies show that when schoolchildren are allowed to stand and move, memory, attention, mood, and academic achievement all improve. “Research shows that when we exercise, blood pressure and blood flow increase everywhere in the body, including the brain,” neuroscientist Justin Rhodes explained in a 2013 Scientific American column. “More blood means more energy and oxygen, which makes our brain perform better.” Incorporating Brain Breaks

Mood and Stress “Research indicates that brain breaks also improve students’ concentration and relieve stress.” Incorporating Brain Breaks “Everyone knows that regular exercise is good for the body. But exercise is also one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health. Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts overall mood. And you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a difference.” The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise “For new information to become memory, it must pass through an emotional filter called the amygdala and then reach the prefrontal cortex. When students’ brains become anxious, highly confused, or overwhelmed, the activation of the amygdala surges until this filter becomes a stop sign. New learning no longer passes through to reach the prefrontal cortex and sustain memory. Even if students are not stressed by the pace or content of new learning, a point arises when the amygdala exceeds its capacity for efficient conduction of information through its networks into memory. Brain breaks can be planned to restore the emotional state needed to return the amygdala from overdrive into the optimal state for successful information flow.” Using Brain Breaks to Restore Students’ Focus

Testing Important to do throughout the year so it is normal/natural

Testing “Even single sessions of physical activity have been associated with better scores on academic tests, improved concentration, and more efficient transfers of information from short- to long-term memory.” Active Education: Growing Evidence on Physical Activity and Academic Performance

Attention Karen Postal says, “The research is compelling.  Regular, sweaty exercise helps us think better by stimulating new brain cell growth, increasing connections between cells, and improving attention.  Why not give these advantages to our children? An hour of vigorous exercise per day will allow your children to focus better in school and while studying. Exercise allows them to retain more information.  And, as a great side effect, exercise will even out their moods, improve sleep patterns, and build self confidence. ” Think Better: Exercise

How to Do Brain Breaks in Your Classroom

How often? Students should have a brain break at least every 25-30 minutes.

How long? “Brain break activities do take about 1-3 minutes of class time to complete; however, the efficiency of our students goes up when brain breaks are incorporated.” Incorporating Brain Breaks: Keeping Students Engaged

Expectations It is important to set your expectations during brain breaks. Begin by teaching your students about the purpose of brain breaks and what benefits they have so students will understand why they are required to participate. Transitions Train students on how to transition quickly in and out of brain breaks (countdown, musical cue)

Variety Simple More “Complex” Moving to gather supplies, transition to new area of room Teach a concept through song More “Complex” Game or Activity GoNoodle Video Stretches or Exercises

Barriers to Implementation

Brain Breaks will disrupt my classroom! “Brain breaks do not require disruption in the flow of learning. Simply stretching, moving to a different part of the room, or singing a song can revitalize the brain. Use your learning goals and students’ responses to guide you in selecting the best type of brain break. You might decide to use the time to boost mood or motivation, as well as restore the brain’s peak performance.” Using Brain Breaks to Restore Students’ Focus

Brain Breaks are non-academic. Many research studies have shown improved academic achievement with increased students physical activity. More information can be found here.

Resources

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