Lose the Fidget Toy – Brain Breaks are Better!
Do you hear that? The low, yet distracting hissing noise. The infamous fidget spinner has taken the education world by storm. Students claim that these spinners help with ADHD. However, NPR reports that these fidget toys serve the use of entertainment (or distraction) more than they help with focus. Perhaps that provides you with the justification you need to take those toys away next time they are causing distractions in class. But the real question is – how do we re-focus and re-energize our students? Standardized tests are occurring, followed by end of year progress-monitoring and final exams. We need something to give our students an “educational boost” without the distraction.
Enter Brain Breaks. An abundance of research demonstrates that spurts of physical activity help give students a brief break, keep the brain thinking, and help create positive attitudes toward learning. While brain breaks are not a new concept, it seems the time is ripe to bring them even more mainstream. Phones, iPads, laptops, and yes – fidget toys, are being over-used. Break up the monotony (and decrease the screen time!) with some brain breaks. Here are some suggestions to start you off!
1) Play Doh Characters
Students break into groups of two and grab some play doh. One partner will mold an animal (designate a timeframe – maybe one minute). The other partner will have three guesses. Then, the partners will reverse roles, taking part in the same steps. The entire process should take five minutes, maximum.
2) Simon Says!
This one is easy. Play a quick game of Simon Says. 5-7 minutes is all you will need to get the students out of their seats and focused on the task at hand. And they will have fun!!
3) Number Signs
Students will break into groups of two. Designate point values for particular spots on the body (right shoulder – 1, forehead – 2, right ear – 3, left shoulder – 4, knee – 5). One person will touch their bodies only on those spots. The other person needs to say the designated numbers out loud and add them together. After doing 2-3 problems, the other partner will do the addition!
4) Switch Fingers
5) Common Traits
Students will line up in two equal lines across from each other. The teacher will call out a trait, and all that have that trait must come in-between the lines. For instance: “Everyone with brown eyes to the middle of the room!” or “Everyone born in New York to the middle of the room!”. This can go on for as long as you have time for!
What brain breaks worked best for you! Let us know!
