One Minute Brain Breaks

Are you looking to break up the monotony of your typical class day without taking away valuable learning time? If so, one minute brain breaks may be just what you need. Brain breaks are brief activities used to give students a chance to reset and refocus their brains in the midst of intensive instruction. These simple yet effective strategies have been proven to help keep kids motivated and engaged while increasing their productivity in the classroom.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BRAIN BREAKS?

Brain breaks provide a physical and mental reset for students and can help them stay focused on their work. They can also create an opportunity for movement, which has been linked to better cognitive performance. One-minute brain breaks are ideal when you need to get everyone back on track quickly and efficiently. They can also encourage students to be more social with their peers.

HOW TO USE ONE MINUTE BRAIN BREAKS

There are a variety of one-minute brain break activities you can use in the classroom that can be appropriate at different times. Did your class just take a test? Did your students just focus on a long reading or writing task? Maybe they solved a multi-step math problem.

These are all great times for students to stop and take a fun brain break before jumping into another academic task. They can be used with younger kids like preschool or elementary students as transition activities, or with older kids, like high school students who simply need a mental break from activities that involve intense focus. They can also be helpful in helping students get some energy out so that they don’t turn to bad behavior due to boredom, anxiety, frustration or burnout. There are so many different types of brain breaks you can try!

ONE MINUTE BRAIN BREAK GAMES

There are plenty of one minute brain break activities for you to choose from that are engaging. They’ll refocus student attention on something fun! Try some of these quick games.

Simon Says

One person is the leader, and calls out instructions that must be followed only when “Simon Says” first. The leader may come up with creative movements or tasks for the group to follow.

Games with Dice

One player in the group rolls two dice and creates a game for everyone else to follow. For example, if they roll a 4 and 6 then everyone does four jumping jacks and six arm circles. Or if you’re looking to save time and prep, try these brain breaks with dice.

Card Games

Try these entertaining Switcheroo cards for a super easy brain break. Cards that you make yourself can also be used to create a game or activity. One person chooses a card, and everyone else must stand up, sit down, or move their body in some way based on the card they chose.

Jump Rope

Start a game of “jump-in”, where everyone stands and takes turns hopping in the center of the circle to jump rope. One person calls out instructions and everyone follows along.

Heads Up, 7 Up

This is a classic game that students of all ages can enjoy. One student, the leader, secretly chooses seven students to be “up” and puts their heads down. Everyone else in the group puts their heads down as well. The leader then calls out “heads up! 7 Up!” and those seven chosen players need to guess who the leader is. The first one to correctly guess wins and becomes the next leader.

ONE MINUTE PHYSICAL BRAIN BREAKS

Physical brain breaks are a great way to get your students up and moving. When students incorporate movement, they make their minds and bodies healthy. They can be done quickly, with no equipment needed! Try some of the ideas below or some of these simple physical brain breaks.

Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Have the students touch each body part as they sing along.

Jumping Jacks

One of the most classic exercises to do in one minute. This gets heart rates up as well!

Freeze Dance Party

Put on your favorite song, and have everyone dance for one minute! When the music stops, everyone stops dancing until the music comes back on.

Stretch

Each student can stand up, reach to the sky, stretch their arms as far as they can and touch the ground. Then switch sides.

Going for a Walk

If you have a few extra minutes, going for a walk around the block for some fresh air or even just one minute down the hall can be an excellent way to get the students out of the classroom and reset their minds.

Jogging in Place

This is the perfect way to get the blood flowing and refocus students. One minute of jogging in place can be enough to reset the minds of your class. Or send your students outside or to the gym for a brief jog.

Push-Ups

If your students are up for a more challenging physical activity, then this is the one minute brain break for them. One minute of push-ups can be enough to give their brains and bodies a much-needed break!

ONE MINUTE MINDFULNESS BRAIN BREAKS

Mindfulness brain breaks are a great way to reset and stay focused in the classroom and practice mindfulness. One-minute mindfulness brain breaks can be done without any preparation or special equipment.

Breathing Exercises

Students sit up straight, close their eyes, and take slow deep breaths for one minute.

Yoga Poses

Pick a yoga pose and tell students to hold it for one minute. Students can also work on their breathing during yoga.

Gratitude Exercise

Have students think of three things that they are grateful for and write them down.

Visualization Exercise

Students close their eyes, take a few deep breaths, and imagine themselves in a relaxing place for one minute.

Loving Kindness Exercise

Choose a positive phrase such as “I am loved” or “I am strong,” and have the students repeat it in their heads for one minute.

Body Scan

To do a body scan, students close their eyes and scan their bodies from head to toe noticing any sensations they feel.

ONE MINUTE BRAIN BREAK CRAFTS

Crafts can be a great way to engage students in a fun and creative activity. Here are some ideas for one-minute brain break crafts to boost student creativity.

Paper Plate Faces

Create faces on paper plates. Students can use markers, crayons, or paint to draw eyes, noses, mouths, and any other features they want.

Origami

Have the students create paper origami figures. This can be a great way to practice fine motor skills as well.

Paper Folding

Fold small pieces of paper into shapes or letters. This is a simple activity that can help them relax and refocus their energy.

Stickers

Grab some colorful stickers and let the students decorate whatever they want. This is a great way to get their creative juices flowing.

Brain breaks are an excellent way for students to take a break from their work and reset their minds. One-minute brain breaks can be fun, engaging activities that help learners refocus and stay motivated during their studies. Whether it’s physical, mindfulness, or craft activities, there are plenty of one-minute brain break ideas to choose from! Give your whole class the opportunity to take a quick break and get back to their classwork feeling refreshed.