Energizing Brain Breaks to Support Student Concentration
Theater games make fun brain breaks that also foster valuable executive function skills.
This article was originally published on Edutopia
Picture this: You are transitioning to a new lesson, and suddenly your class is full of bouncing legs and restless bodies. Chatter abounds, and fidget toys appear from nowhere. It’s time to take a brain break.
It’s no secret that students need frequent breaks to stay engaged and stimulated. However, students’ brains are actually working really hard during what we call brain breaks. Research shows that short bursts of movement can help boost the brain’s working memory and blood flow to the hippocampus. Additionally, the brain relishes unexpected stimuli. So, rather than thinking of them as breaks when learning stops, you can think of these exercises as another way to build students’ brain function.
Read the full article of “8 Brain Breaks to Spark Joy and Help Young Students Concentrate” on Edutopia
Learn More Brain Breaks for Concentration
1. Mirror Game
The mirror game is a classic acting exercise developed by the pioneer of theater games, Viola Spolin. Working in pairs, one student is the leader, who initiates movements, and the other is the reflection, who copies their motions.
“While they can certainly help students concentrate, there are other benefits to these exercises: mindfulness, executive function skills, growth mindset, social and emotional learning, and especially fun, depending on the game.”
2. Feather Balance
Ask students to balance a feather on the palm of their hand. This helps them practice mindfulness as they focus on the feather, moving to keep it upright.
” While some students might say, “I can’t do it!” you can introduce the magic word yet into the conversation and then apply it to more academic topics later.”
3. Boom Chicka Boom
This vibrant chant can get repeated in any style imaginable. Play around with different themes from books: “Big Bad Wolf style” or “Lorax style.”
“There are a slew of exercises that actors use to refocus, build community, and stimulate their energy that work well during transitions or whenever kids need to refocus.”
4. Human Knot
In the game Human Knot, students circle up and hold the hand of someone next to them, and then with their other hand take the hand of someone who is not next to them. They then have to untangle themselves without letting go of anyone’s hand.
“Scientists have studied the mirror neurons in the brain and regard them as the seat of empathy. As students see their own selves reflected, it brings increased feelings of connectedness and belonging.”
5. “Down by the Bay”
The classic song “Down by the Bay” by singer Raffi is a lovely way to get music, rhyming, and even acting into the mix. You can sing it in its original form and then encourage new verses from your students.
“Finding the ideal activity that’s simple and hits the reset button can be a challenge. For some variety, you may want to consider theater games.”
6. Who Started the Motion?
In the game Who Started the Motion, one student steps outside the room. Another is selected to be the motion captain; they start a repeatable gesture (like clapping and snapping in rhythm, tapping their head and then their feet, etc.) and then switch to another one. Meanwhile, the class copies these gestures
Learn More About Theater Games in the Classroom with Jocelyn
Read the Full Article about Brain Breaks to Spark Joy and Help Young Students Concentrate on Edutopia
