Brain breaks are short breaks meant to help students reset their mental energy, boost their motivation, enhance their focus, and ultimately increase their productivity once they back on task (Davies et al., 2011; Kao et al., 2017). Brain breaks are simple and easy to use and cater to various learning styles and abilities. For middle school, can have a transformative effect on students learning.In this post I am sharing with you a collection of some engaging brain breaks for middle school. Key activities cover various types.
There are mental breaks, such as puzzles or games, stimulate the mind in different ways, offering a cognitive shift that helps maintain attention and prevent fatigue. Movement breaks, which might include simple yoga poses or gentle stretching, are vital for re-energizing and improving blood flow, helping students to feel more alert and ready to tackle complex tasks. Lastly, social-emotional breaks focus on activities like guided breathing or meditation, targeting the management of students’ emotional states and reducing stress and anxiety.
Related: 10 Brain Breaks for Kids
Brain Breaks for Middle School
Let’s explore some effective brain break activities that can be seamlessly woven into the daily routine of any middle school classroom:
1. Guided Breathing
Guided breathing exercises are a great way to center and calm students, helping them reset their focus. Start by having students sit comfortably with their feet flat on the floor. You can lead them through a breathing exercise, such as the 4-7-8 technique—inhale for four seconds, hold the breath for seven seconds, and exhale slowly for eight seconds. This practice not only helps reduce anxiety but also improves concentration. It’s a skill that students can use not just in the classroom but anytime they feel overwhelmed.
2. Meditation
Meditation can significantly benefit middle schoolers by enhancing their emotional regulation and reducing stress. Introduce them to simple mindfulness meditation where they focus on their breath or the sensations in their bodies. Use a calming voice to guide them through the process, keeping the sessions brief—about five minutes—to maintain their attention. Over time, these meditation breaks can lead to greater calmness, even during test times or school transitions.
3. Journaling
Journaling is a powerful tool for self-expression and reflection, which is particularly valuable during the transformative middle school years. Provide students with a prompt that encourages them to explore their thoughts and feelings. This could be as simple as “Today I feel…” or “Something I learned today…”. Journaling helps students process their experiences and fosters a greater sense of self-awareness.
4. Drawing
Offering a drawing break lets students channel their creativity and can be incredibly soothing. Provide paper and colored pencils, and let their imagination take the lead. You can sometimes set themes or let them draw freely. Drawing helps in developing motor skills, encourages visual analysis, and can be a non-verbal outlet for emotional expression.
5. Puzzles
Puzzles are a fantastic way to engage students’ problem-solving skills while giving their minds a break from traditional academic work. Whether it’s a crossword, Sudoku, or a jigsaw puzzle, these activities can improve pattern recognition and perseverance. Plus, they can be a fun way for students to collaborate, fostering a sense of accomplishment and teamwork.
6. Read Alouds
This can be a relaxing and intellectually stimulating break for middle schoolers. Choose a book that’s appropriate yet captivating for their age group, perhaps involving them in the selection process. Reading aloud not only improves listening skills but also enhances vocabulary and comprehension. It’s also a chance for students to enjoy stories without the pressure of analysis, fostering a love for reading.
7. Storytelling
Encourage students to develop their own stories or narrate real-life experiences. This can be done as a group activity where they build on each other’s narratives or individually in front of the class. Storytelling enhances imagination, communication skills, and empathy. It also allows students to see the world from different perspectives, enriching their social and emotional development.
8. Pass the Ball
This game involves students sitting in a circle and passing a ball around while music plays. When the music stops, the student holding the ball can either answer a question, share a fact, or express a thought related to the lesson or their personal experiences. It’s a dynamic way to keep students engaged, promote quick thinking, and foster a fun classroom environment.
9. Simon Says
A classic game that can be used as a brain break to get students moving and following instructions. It’s not only fun but also enhances their attention to detail and listening skills. Tailor the commands to be silly or integrate some of the current topics of study to make it educational as well as entertaining.
10. Dance Breaks
Play a popular song and allow students to stand up and dance freely in their space. This kind of brain break encourages physical activity, which is essential for shaking off the inertia that can come from prolonged periods of sitting. It also boosts mood and promotes a positive classroom atmosphere through shared laughter and enjoyment. Dancing enhances coordination, rhythm, and fitness, all while providing a substantial mental break. It’s a lively way to foster a sense of community and inclusivity as students express themselves and enjoy a moment of carefree movement together.
Related: 22 Engaging Brain Breaks for Students
Final thoughts
To wrap up, integrating brain breaks into the daily schedule of middle school students is more than just a pause from academic rigor; it’s a strategic approach to enhancing overall student well-being and effectiveness in learning. Whether through mental exercises, physical movement, or social-emotional activities, these breaks are pivotal in helping students manage stress, re-energize, and improve their capacity to process and retain information.
References
- Davies, C. L., Tomporowski, P. D., McDowell, J. E., Austin, B. P., Miller, P. H., Yanasak, N. E., Allison, J. D., & Naglieri, J. A. (2011). Exercise improves executive function and achievement and alters brain activation in overweight children: A randomized, controlled trial. Health Psychology, 30(1), 91–98. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021766
- Kao, S. C., Westfall, D. R., Parks, A. C., Pontifex, M. B., & Hillman, C. H. (2017). Muscular and aerobic fitness, working memory, and academic achievement in children. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 49(3), 500–508. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001132
