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!
Juggling is the art of repeatedly throwing objects in the air and catching them, so that at least one object stays in the air at all times. Take a quick juggling Brain Break each day and soon you’ll become a juggling master!
Suggested Juggling Supplies
Three lightweight scarves
Three small beanbags
Three balls that will fit in your hands
This is what you do:
- Start by throwing one scarf in the air and catching it with one hand.
- Then toss the scarf into the air and clap before you catch it.
- Toss the scarf in the air and catch it with one hand.
- Repeat until you’ve mastered tossing and catching one scarf.
- Challenge yourself and try adding a second and then a third scarf!
Watch this fun juggling video.
“The Why” behind the Activity:
Juggling is good for eye-hand coordination and gross motor skills. Learning to track objects with their eyes improves students’ reading skills. Juggling improves concentration, builds confidence, and boosts self-esteem. Juggling is a physical workout, too, and is just plain fun!
Check out these books about juggling:
Juggling: All You Need to Know to Develop Amazing Juggling Skills by Stuart Ashman
Juggling for the Complete Klutz by John Cassicy and B.C. Rimbeaux
