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:
- Paper and pencil
- Hat or other container
Here’s what you do:
- Write a few objects or phrases on separate slips of paper and place them in a hat or other container. Some topic ideas might include:
Be a superhero
Brushing your teeth
Be a giraffe
Shoveling snow
Be a rock
Eating an ice-cream cone
Be a favorite book character
Be a banana
Be Neil Armstrong walking on the moon
- Take turns with your child choosing one paper slip from the hat to act out. No speaking, writing, or drawing allowed… acting only!
- See how many you can each guess in five minutes!
The “Why” behind the Activity:
A classic game of Charades is fun and entertaining, but it also has many added benefits. Charades presents a challenge to both the actor and the person guessing which encourages outside-of-the-box creative thinking. It also helps children become aware of emotions and feelings in a given situation which can help them better understand how to respond with care and kindness. The game can also improve your child’s vocabulary, promotes bonding with you, and develops trust. And it’s an all-around classic that can be played with and adapted for any age!
Try out more fun and entertaining mind games!
What’s Your Personality? Facts, Trivia, and Quizzes by Francesca Potts
Let’s Clap, Jump, Sing, and Shout; Dance, Spin, and Turn It out! Games, Songs, and Stories from an African American Childhood collected by Patricia C. McKissack
Boredom Buster: Games for the Road by Nicola Baxter
