The world has changed over the past few months.

Families around the world were suddenly thrown into the role of teacher to their children when the COVID-19 closed schools all around the world.

Parents sit down to “do schoolwork” and think they will be able to knock it out in just a couple hours.

But their children become…

• Restless
• Distracted
• Unfocused
• Overwhelmed

Children need brain breaks.

Brain Breaks are an essential part of a classroom and can be just as important in the home.

They allow a child to retain information better, increase oxygen flow to the brain, and boost their blood flow.

Brain breaks also help with retention and attention to task. Here are ideas to try with your children at home.

Brain Break Ideas That Your Kids Will Love  

Sensory bins

Sensory bins can be a fun way for children to explore while taking a brain break. Most children use their senses to explore the world around them.

Themed sensory bins allow children to explore utilizing their senses and have fun while learning new skills. A sensory bin can be used to teach academic skills and play with various holiday themes.

You can also utilize a sensory tub to reinforce skills like letters and numbers.

Supplies:

• Bin or tub
• Rice
• Alphabet letters
• Magnet numbers

Pool Noodles

Pool noodles are so fun and can be used in a variety of ways for a brain break.

Here are some fun ideas:

• Cut them up and write one letter per noodle piece and have your child match the uppercase letters to the lowercase letters.
• You can also use these noodles to spell words, put letters in order, or spell their name!
• Utilize the noodles for math concepts like ordering numbers, comparing numbers, or even addition and subtraction concepts.

In addition to academic concepts, you can utilize pool noodles for things like

• Water play
• Arts and crafts
• Stringing noodle pieces together for fine motor skills

The uses of pool noodles are unlimited!

Obstacle courses

An obstacle course can be a fun way to engage and get some energy out. Obstacle courses can be made out of anything!

You can utilize tape to measure off various areas, pool noodles, chalk, hula hoops, and boxes.

You can create games like…

• Hop like a frog
• How fast can you go

Slime

Slime is a fun and inexpensive way to play. All you need is some glue, contact solution, and baking soda. There are also some cool slime kits on Amazon. You can also make them fun colors by adding a few drops of food coloring.

Slime can be a fun, calming sensory activity that can keep your child entertained for hours.

You can also add various items like beads to make the slime more colorful and another added sensory activity. Slime can also be easily stored and used for several days after it was made.

More Brain Break Ideas

Brain breaks are a fun way to break up activities throughout the day. You can incorporate breaks to get your child motivated to complete a task and then allow them to take a break before moving on to another activity.

A brain break can also be used to get your child to calm down and refocus their energy.

Other brain break ideas to try are:

• Simon Says
• Find the letter
• Dance-off
• Hot potato
• Board Games
• Fun Motor Skills Activities

Do you have a fun brain break idea your child loves? Share it in the comments below.

Do you have a child that needs more one on one assistance?  

We offer one-on-one special education tutoring that can be done from anywhere the student is! Why? Because our special education experts conduct their sessions online!

Get started with a free consultation today!