Breaks are an evidence-based learning and behavior strategy for the classroom. While we want kids and young adults to spend more time learning in the classroom, the truth is that breaks are one of the best strategies to get there.
What are the benefits to breaks in the classroom? Research tells us that breaks help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase productivity. They allow opportunities for problem-solving and creativity. Breaks also help our brains make sense of new information in order to fully comprehend those concepts. All of these benefits make a clear case that breaks in the classroom actually support learning.
Understanding the why behind this is actually fascinating (and something you may even want to share with your learners). Dr. Immordino-Yang and her team studied the effects of breaks on the brain with an MRI scanner. The results showed that during break times, your brain is not actually idle as one might expect. Instead, this is a time for the brain to reflect, organize new information, problem-solve, and embrace creativity. In other words, breaks help our brains make sense of things and learn.
Here are 25 engaging, fun, and meaningful ways to give kids a break in class while also integrating social-emotional skills for success:
1. Give chat time.
Discussion time builds relationships while giving a much-needed break. Give free chat time or spark conversations with a SEL-focused question. Then, let students take the lead.
SEL skills: conversations, relationships, attention
2. Toss a ball.
Stand in a circle and toss a ball. You can do this activity purely for physical activity and focus, but you can also add in a target question to integrate social-emotional skills at the same time. For example, you might ask, “If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?” As students get the ball, they can answer. This question builds on self-awareness and considering hopes for the future, but you can add any question you want! You can use these free relationship-building questions to start.
SEL skills: attention, listening
3. Draw or color.
Drawing and coloring on its own is a relaxing strategy, but it can also build confidence and help learners embrace creativity. You can give free draw time or provide a prompt to spark extra creativity. Ask students to illustrate a scene from a book you just read to integrate academics. Another idea is to have them draw about a time they felt happy to talk about emotions and share joy.
SEL skills: confidence, emotions, focus
4. Use breathing exercises.
Mindful breathing is the practice of breathing as we focus on our inhales and exhales. Lots of research suggests that mindful breathing is an important self-regulation strategy; when we calm our breaths, we can also calm our bodies and minds. Try a few mindful breathing exercises like Cool Off the Pizza and Shape Breathing.
SEL skills: mindfulness, self-awareness, calming strategies
5. Do nothing for 2 minutes.
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware in the moment. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness with your learners. One strategy is doing nothing for 2-3 minutes at a time. This might feel silly at first, but doing nothing for a few minutes is a critical way to let your brain rest and reset.
SEL skills: self-awareness, self-management, coping strategies
6. Take a walk together.
Sometimes a simple walk is all you need. Keep in mind that a walk isn’t “just” a walk; it’s a time for self-awareness, using our senses, practicing mindfulness, and letting our minds creatively wander. If you can, opt for a quick nature walk outside and notice what you see, hear, smell, and feel around you.
SEL skills: mindfulness, self-awareness
7. Dance.
Play music and have a dance party! Dancing can help build creativity, confidence, and independence as students step outside their comfort zones to move their bodies. You can also integrate self-control practice by having students change their dances according to the music or song you are playing.
SEL skills: self-awareness, creativity, independence, self-control
8. Learn a new word of the day.
Discuss one new word a day. Discuss that word, give examples, and talk about what it means. You can start learning the ABCs of social emotional learning to start.
SEL skills: listening, sharing
9. Play “Would You Rather?”.
Use “would you rather” questions to spark meaningful and fun conversations with your students. These chats allow students to learn about each other and build relationships, but also practice independent decision-making skills as students think about which choice they would prefer.
SEL skills: self-awareness, decision-making, relationships
10. Practice group exercises
Exercise is an incredibly healthy coping strategy for all learners. Take a few minutes to integrate physical activity with group exercises. Lead the students in activities like jumping jacks, jogging in place, and imaginary jump rope.
SEL skills: self-management, coping strategies
11. Ask trivia questions.
Engage brains with trivia questions. Ask students: What is the fastest animal on Earth? This is one of my favorite trivia questions because many students think it is a cheetah. While the cheetah is the fastest land animal at around 75 miles per hour, a Peregrine Falcon can actually dive at up over 200 miles per hour!
SEL skills: perseverance, decision-making, mental flexibility
12. Use mindful moment activities.
There are countless mindful moment activities to try in your classroom. One of my favorites is to choose a color. Then, close your eyes and picture at least 10 things that are that color. Give a minute of silent think time first. Then, make a group list together.
SEL skills: mindfulness, self-awareness, calming strategies
13. Play “I Spy.”
Use “I Spy” as a game to invite calmness and curiosity to the classroom. Have students ask questions about your object as they try to perspective-take and guess what item it may be.
SEL skills: attention, mental flexibility, perspective-taking
14. Give brainteasers.
Brainteasers are challenging mental puzzles that students can solve on their own or with a partner/group. Post the brainteaser (or sets of them) and allow kids to work through them. It’s important to give think time and not give answers right away! This builds perseverance and problem-solving skills. Use these brain games to build skills like attention, memory, focus, and more.
SEL skills: perseverance, mental flexibility, problem-solving
15. Play board games.
Partner and group board games provide a chance for a break with some social time mixed in. The best part is that board games, while fun, give chances to build lots of social-emotional skills. Use any board games in your cabinet or choose a game specifically designed to build SEL skills.
SEL skills: sportsmanship, turn-taking, conversations
16. Start an art project.
Give a creativity-break with an art project. One of my favorites is tearing paper. It’s a great activity for following directions and motor skills. Have students create their own designs or provide them with a shape (like a heart). After, give time for students to share their designs with others.
SEL skills: self-awareness, empathy, creativity
17. Practice another language.
Practice some simple words and phrases from another language. If you’re not familiar with another language, that’s okay! There are many free online videos specifically for kids you can try.
SEL skills: social awareness
18. Play “Guess the Drawing.”
Start by choosing something to draw. Begin drawing it on the board and have students share guesses for what it might be. When a student correctly guesses, they can head to the board for their turn.
SEL skills: perspective-taking, mental flexibility, teamwork
19. Play “Huddle Up.”
Start this activity with all students standing in a circle. Say, “Huddle up if…” and add your own phrase. You might say, “Huddle up if you love ice cream,” or “Huddle up if your favorite type of music is country.” Students get to share a piece of who they are while also noticing things they have in common with others. “Huddle Up” can also be a great confidence-building activity, as it takes courage to stand up and share!
SEL skills: self-awareness, relationships, listening
20. Play with modeling clay.
Using modeling clay provides a unique hands-on activity for learners. To start, you can give free time with modeling clay for kids to create anything they want. Next, try providing a challenge for students to create; have them build their house or a favorite item that means something to them, for example.
SEL skills: self-control, creativity, following directions
21. Read and discuss a quote.
Quotes are great thinking tools! Read your favorite quote and discuss what it means together. Students can also share their own favorite quotes.
SEL skills: self-awareness, decision-making
22. Use an emotions check-in.
An emotions check-in is a semi-structured time when students identify how they’re feeling. Use this time to teach students how to check in with themselves, identify feelings, and consider problem-solving strategies to help them cope. Students who feel comfortable can share their emotions check-ins.
SEL skills: self-awareness, emotions, self-management
23. Practice yoga or stretches.
Yoga is a practice that involves many different postures. Teach and practice some postures together. If you’re unfamiliar with yoga postures, there are simple videos online available specifically for kids and young adults to try.
SEL skills: calming strategies, self-awareness, perseverance
24. Play rock, paper, scissors.
A quick play activity, “Rock, Paper, Scissors” is a game that allows kids to engage with each other and practice good sportsmanship skills. This is also a great activity kids can use to solve small conflicts with each other, such as who is going first for a presentation.
SEL skills: relationships, conflict resolution
25. Use nature brain breaks
When you can’t get outside, try nature brain breaks. These are perfect for nature lovers. Kids can walk slow and steady like a turtle or balance like a flamingo. Try these mindfulness nature brain breaks for your classroom.
SEL skills: mindfulness, self-awareness, calming strategies
26. Play “Simon Says”.
Have students stand up for a game of “Simon Says.” This activity provides a quick movement break, but also works on focus and attention, as students have to listen carefully to the phrases.
SEL skills: focus and attention
What other break ideas would you add for the classroom?
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