Brain Breaks are short activities, often only 1-3 minutes long, that help kids get ready to learn or refocus on the task at hand. They often involve physical activity and movement though relaxing activities can also boost mental brain power.
So in addition to encouraging your kids to participate in these fun breaks, join the kiddos and have some refreshing, stress-free fun yourself, too!
Supplies needed
Your hands, feet, and body
Here’s what you do
Making a rainstorm can be done standing up or sitting down.
- Start by making rain drips with one finger on top of your desk, table, knees, lap or the ground.
- Alternate fingers (drip, drop, drip, drop).
- Next use two fingers, then three, four, five, then your whole hand!
- Let the drips get faster and louder until it sounds like a rainstorm!
Repeat the rainstorm using your feet too! You can end the storm with a CLAP of thunder at the end. (CLAP your hands together!)
Activity Extensions
For the little ones –
Add shakers, instruments, drums or noise makers to the storm!
For the older kids -
Older kids can try raindrops cross-body. Alternate tapping on the opposite knee or leg. Try standing up or standing on one leg. Add a fun song and do a rain dance to the music.
Variations on making a rainstorm with your hands (video by Jbrary)
“The Why” behind the Activity
Fun movement between lessons helps kids make a smoother transitions and helps them focus during less active times. Music and rhythm help the body and the mind work together. Using music in conjunction with learning helps with following instructions, math, speech, reading and writing as they are all skills based in rhythm.
Check out these books for more fun!
The Rainstorm Brainstorm by Valerie Tripp
Rainstorm by Barbara Lehman
Come on, Rain by Karen Hesse and pictures by Jon J. Muth