What Are Classroom Brain Breaks?
- My Mindful Class
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 11
Feeling overwhelmed with nonstop testing, tight schedules, and high expectations in the classroom? Students' brains and teachers' need a breather...
That’s where brain breaks come in.
You’ve probably heard the term tossed around in PD sessions, on social media, or staff meetings.
But what is a brain break exactly? And why are they such a powerful tool in today’s classrooms?
Let's Break Down How Brain Breaks Work
A brain break is a short mental pause designed to help students reset, refocus, and recharge during learning.
You know the feeling when your computer starts lagging because too many tabs are open? Brains act the same way...
A brain break closes a few of those unnecessary mental tabs, clears some RAM, and gives you and your students the reset they need to focus again, without crashing mid-lesson.
Brain breaks are short and sweet, typically lasting 2–5 minutes and are used between lessons or learning segments. They can be physical movements, calming activities, silly or mindful.
The key is shifting the brain’s gears.
Why are Brain Breaks Important?
Learning takes sustained attention, working memory, and emotional regulation, all of which fatigue over time, especially in young or neurodivergent students.
When we push through without pause, students can become:
Mentally overloaded
Emotionally dysregulated
Physically restless
Behaviorally reactive
Disengaged or zoned out
And we all know what that leads to...
Classroom chaos, misbehavior, and a whole lot of stress for everyone (including YOU!)
Brain Breaks give you the power to help prevent meltdowns before they start.
Brain Breaks are a natural reboot button for the brain and helps students
Return to learning with better focus
Regulate their emotions
Boost oxygen and blood flow
Improve mood and classroom behavior
Retain more information
Types of Brain Breaks
Not all brain breaks are created equal and that’s a good thing. The best breaks are chosen based on your students’ energy level, the time of day, and your learning goals.
Movement-Based
Jumping jacks, stretches, freeze dance, animal walks→ Great for high energy or after long sitting periods
Mindful Breaks
Deep breathing, visualization, guided audio, nature videos→ Perfect for calming or after recess/lunch
Sensory or Tactile
Fidget tools, drawing, kinetic sand, stretching arms/legs→ Good for regulation, especially for sensory-sensitive students
Interactive & Fun
Would You Rather, Simon Says, mirror games, silly challenges→ Builds class connection and lightens the mood
Brain Breaks and Social Emotional Learning is the Perfect Match for a Calm Classroom Environment
When paired with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), brain breaks do more than just reset — they teach self-awareness, self-regulation, and focus.
Programs like My Mindful Class build brain breaks into weekly routines using videos, activities, and visuals that students can use independently or as a group.
They're themed, consistent, and designed to train the brain while calming it.
Small But Mighty..
A brain break may only take a few minutes — but the impact on your students’ ability to learn, manage emotions, and stay engaged is massive.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in the classroom or noticing that your students can’t sustain focus, don’t add more content…add a brain break.
Want ready-to-use brain break tools aligned with SEL and mindfulness? Explore the My Mindful Class Program here!
Click here if you want to see how you can incorporate social emotional learning naturally throughout your school day.
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