“Brain Breaks”Chris Carr Wilson School DistrictArt TeacherEDIM 510

Brain Breaks are Kinesthetic thinking activities used to refocus students attention after a transition Fast, Fun, no equipment needed Provides team building, cooperation and co-

creativity Great way to stay motivated during long lessons

“BRAIN BREAKS” Defined

Types of “BRAIN BREAKS”

Handshake Creations: Greet 3 different people around the room using different hand shakes. Then do it in reverse order.

Body Writing: Write what you had for breakfast with your left hip (any descriptor, any part of the body).

Imaginary Hot Potato: Throw and catch imaginary object. Thrower and catcher mimic actual object

announced (Bowling Ball).

Finger Snatch: Face partner, both place left index finger in other’s right palm “snatch” the finger. 3,2,1, Snatch.

Dance-Dance: Bust a move free-style for 30 seconds in your space, moves reflective of genre, genre changes every 10 seconds.

Rock, Paper, Scissors MATH: Each ”throw” a number, first to call out the sum is the winner.

…More BRAIN BREAKS

WHY BRAIN BREAKS?MotivationClassroom ManagementCooperationRefocus AttentionSocial Skill BuildingCreativityFUN!

How to Get Started: Explain ExpectationsGive Clear Directions Model ActivityExperimentClear Signal to Start and End SessionConsequences (Sit out the next 3 BRAIN BREAK

activities)

CitationsKuczala, M., & Lengel, T. (2008). The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning through Movement. (Class Learning Material). West Randolph, NJ: Regional Training Center. Girl Bending. (Photograph). Retrieved November 22, 2011 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/70065576@N04/6371750689/in/pool-858082@N25  Girl with Wagon. (Photograph). Retrieved November 22, 2011 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/70065576@N04/6371750449/sizes/m/in/pool-858082@N25/  Educational Blocks. (Photograph). Retrieved November 22, 2011 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/hailey-n-hootie/6359902745/sizes/m/in/pool-858082@N25/ Baby and Cake. (Photograph). Retrieved November 22, 2011 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/69792432@N07/6349278514/in/pool-858082@N25  Kids Playing in Sand. (Photograph). Retrieved November 22, 2011 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/69908465@N08/6349615878/in/pool-858082@N25