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!
In today’s Brain Break, you can move your body and use your breath to change how you feel!
Supplies needed
Just yourself
Here’s how you do it
- Stand comfortably, and place your hands on your tummy to check in with how you feel.
- Gentle twisting and stretching can help you feel energized and relaxed.
- Stand or sit with your hands in front of you forming a cup. Take a deep breath in, and as you breathe out, think about someone or something you’re grateful for and imagine it filling up your cup. Repeat these slow, thoughtful breaths 4 – 5 times, or until you feel your cup overflowing with gratitude.
Challenge Extensions
For the little ones –
Sculpt, use finger-paints or create a drawing with crayons and other materials of a person you’re grateful for.
For the older kids –
Write a “thank you” letter to someone you’re grateful for and mail it to them.
The “why” behind the challenge
Research in positive psychology shows that there is a strong association between gratitude and personal happiness.
Children under the age of 5 can practice gratitude.
Check out these books for more fun!
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr
Thank You Bees by Toni Yuly
Thanks A Million: Poems by Nikki Grimes