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Brain Break Activity Grades 9-12

Engaging Strategies

Brain Break

SEL Learning Objective:

Participants will be practicing self management and decision making skills. This activity provides opportunity for physical activity, which has both physical and mental benefits for students and adults. As always, modify as needed for individuals in your group.

Time:

The video is 5 minutes long, time may be adjusted to fit scheduling.

Steps:

Remind participants that offering opportunities to be up and moving helps keep brains refreshed and open to learning. TIP! If the video is longer then you have time for, play it for a minute; even a minute movement break can provide a useful break.
Play video for the length that works for you.

Debrief by:

Debrief with participants to reinforce the importances of taking breaks and getting up and moving! Debrief questions can lead the participants to examine their learning related to the activity.

Invite participants to lead the brain break once the routine and rules are well established.

Debrief steps include:

Thank participants for engaging.
Ask all participants to reflect on: how the activity felt to them and/or when might they use this in their lives?
Ask a few to share out to the group.

Examples of questions:

Did you enjoy participating, why or why not?
What emotions came up for you during the activity?
What was hard or challenging?

Modifications and Variations:

Before starting any moment break, let participants know to engage at their comfort level, whether they are at home, learning remote or in the classroom; they can follow the directions of the video at their own pace.