Tag: Education

Photo by Niklas Jeromin

It’s hard to deny the evidence for the importance of physical activity in the classroom (See blog post Why Move in the Classroom?,) and just as hard to find a strong reason not to include it. The most common excuse is probably, “I don’t have time to find activities that involve movement.” I don’t take no for an answer, so here’s a starting point: three effective, active, and quick brain breaks/transitions that you can easily integrate into your classroom

1. Dance It Out!

Remember Just Dance? It was fun, sweaty, and felt like a party. In 2025, we’re bringing it back with DJ Raphi. Have your students move along to fun pop songs (always a hit), let out a smile or giggle, and of course, get their heart rate up. And remember: a higher heart rate means all those great brain-boosting effects kick in.

2. At your Desk Workout

@thesimpleot

Hi 👋 I’m a pediatric occupational therapist and I teach people about the brain and body! Specifically how to help with regulation and keeping attention and engagement throughout the day! Incorporating sensory breaks with motor movement activities (particularly heavy work) helps students regulate their energy levels, improve focus, and manage stress. 🧠Heavy work activities like pushing, pulling, or carrying weighted objects provide deep proprioceptive input that can have a calming effect, supporting self-regulation and increasing attention. These breaks help students release: ✨excess energy ✨mprove body awareness ✨enhance classroom performance ✨ultimately fostering a positive learning environment Try incorporating this sensory circuit in the morning before school drop off, during the day, or at night before dinner. ✅ Follow for more sensory circuit ideas 💡 #sensory #break #move #ot #school #kid #learn #teach #attention

♬ original sound – Hillel Barak

We all know technology can fail. One day your interactive screen might not work, no problem! You can lead this one yourself. Guide your students through a quick, at-your-desk workout that won’t bore them: quick feet (chair stomps), chair push-ups, water bottle pick-ups, book lifts, play-doh rolls, over-the-chair squats, arm circles, seated twists, seated leg extensions, desk drumming. The possibilities are endless, just remember to adapt activities to your students and keep them inclusive and accessible!

3. Breathe In, Breathe Out

“I want them to move, but I can’t have them bouncing off the walls after this!” In that case, Salamander Yoga may be the solution. It makes yoga fun, helps students stretch, and most importantly, calms them down while still keeping them physically active.

There you go: three easy brain breaks for your classroom that will keep students entertained, moving, and mentally ready to learn.

Lander, N. J., Contardo Ayala, A. M., Mazzoli, E., Lai, S. K., Orr, J., & Salmon, J. (2024). Beyond “brain breaks”: A new model for integrating classroom-based active breaks. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 95(4), 22–30. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2024.2308253