5 for 5 – Take Five for a Brain Break

Brain research has shown that movement in the classroom improves our students’ focus, memory, concentration, and creates better overall attitudes.  When you see your students getting a little restless – try one of these quick brain break activities to stimulate your team of young learners.  Take five for a brain break!

1. Copy My Pattern –  The teacher starts a simple pattern (clap-clap-right knee lift, clap-clap-right knee lift, clap-clap-right knee lift)  As students repeat and master the pattern – add another step (clap-clap-right knee lift-left knee lift – repeat)  Add another step, and another, and another . . .See how many steps you can add to the pattern.
2. 5-4-3-2-1 – Go! – Have students stand behind their chairs.  Do 5 jumping jacks, 4 desk push-ups (hands on desks & feet on the floor), 3 jumping jacks, 2 desk push-ups, 1 minute jog in place. Have children place their hands on their chests and monitor how their heart rates have increased.  Repeat the series.  (Vary the exercises – always ending with the one minute jog in place. – toe touches, knee lifts, sit-ups, squats, etc.  Children can sit on their desks and do leg lifts or reverse sit-ups by pulling their knees up to their chests and then extending them.)
3. Teacher Says – Simon Says with a teacher twist.  This is a great way to challenge your students to focus and move at the same time.  Start with standard commands like “Teacher says, clap 5 times.”  “Teacher says, jump 3 times.”  “Teacher says, clap 8 times.”  “Stop!  Teacher didn’t say, so keep clapping.”  If you catch someone have them sit out briefly, but to keep the movement going, allow them back into the game quickly if they demonstrate honesty and good sportsmanship.
4. Freeze Dance – Play some energizing music.  Students dance in their own personal space.  When the music stops they freeze.  When the music starts – resume dancing.
5. Brain Ball – Form a circle of students and pass a small soft ball or bean bag around randomly.  The passer must make eye contact with the receiver before throwing.  No verbal communication is allowed and every student must receive one pass before anyone receives a second one.  See how many completed passes can be made.  Go for a class record.

One of the foremost authorities on brain fitness, Dr. John J.Ratey, calls exercise “Miracle-Gro for the brain.”  So let’s get moving!  These are just a few ideas to help stimulate our students’ growth – physically and mentally.