• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
KidPillar

KidPillar

STEM Journals, Activities & Experiments.

  • Home
  • STEM
  • Parenting
  • Activities
    • Activities & Games
    • Crafts
    • Literacy
    • Numeracy
  • e-Journals
    • Know More
    • Shop e-Journals
      • Cart
      • Checkout
    • My Dashboard
  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Write For Us
    • Advertise

Best Brain Breaks For Kids

June 9, 2021 | Published by Shreiya

Thanks to the recent developments in the science of learning and neurology, your kids do not need to put in long, continuous hours of study to really learn. 

In fact, what research suggests is that short focused time slots followed with regular intervals, brain breaks, is an effective way for efficient learning.

Brain Break For Kids

To help you make the best of brain break for kids, we have curated an exhaustive list of these mind booster activities, spanning across different categories.

Choose the one that appeals most to your child’s personality:

1. Outdoor Brain Breaks

2. Indoor Brain Breaks

3. Brain Break Games

4. Calming Brain Break Activities

5. Virtual Brain Break Ideas

What Is a Brain Break?

Brain breaks are short intervals between academic, or mental, work designed to increase focus, retention and enjoyment. They work fabulously well to enhance learning and student engagement.

Think of brain break ideas as physical breaks or movement-based activities that are aimed at recharging the mind by allowing more blood and oxygen to flow to the brain. 

Why Are Brain Breaks Important?

Brain break is a smart way to boost learning efficiency. There is only so much information kids can process at a time before they need to recharge.

Research strongly backs this view and suggests downtime after every 45 minutes of mental activity. 

For young children, the time before their attention starts to dwindle and they need a brain break can be estimated as roughly twice their chronological age. 

These brain break ideas help children not only to learn effectively but also benefits their mental health by reducing stress and homework anxiety.

Outdoor Brain Breaks

1. Play Hopscotch 

Hopscotch makes up for perfect outdoor brain break for kindergarten kids. Play a game or two to get your child moving and blood pumping into their brain. 

2. Skip Rope

Skipping is wonderful physical activity that that kids enjoy. It is quick and easy, and simply great at getting rid of the excess energy.

3. Skate or Bike

Let your child take short rounds around the neighborhood, biking or skating. 

Not only does it let your child catch some fresh air but also changes her field of vision. What’s more, this brain brain for middle school kids work equally well for younger kids too!

4. Go on a Swing

Swings are probably one of the best choices for a brain break for kindergarten. No kid ever said no to swings or a slide!

Brain breaks for kindergarten

Such brain break activities are much loved by kids and give them the necessary fresh start they are looking for.

5. Take a Run or Walk

Take a run around the block to get your heart beating and blood pumping! And if you have company, a walk around the neighbourhood park with a quick chat is equally rejuvenating.  

Just the right kind of brain break for middle school kids.

6. Play Catches

One of the most fun brain breaks for kids to recharge them (and you!) is to indulge in a short game of catches. To make it more interesting, keep a score or play with two balls. 

7. Nature Walk

Nature Walk in gardens or green spaces has a calming effect on mind and is well documented for its positive effects on mental health of young children. 

If you have a garden in your house or nearby, make use of it and let your child go for a barefoot stroll in the grass. Bonus points for rolling or animals walking on the grass!

8. Nature Scavenger Hunt

This is an exciting outdoor activity for kids that sharpens their brain and works like magic to build observation skills.

Instead of indulging in a list of things to spy, ask your child to explore the garden and look for bugs or count different flowers! Bonus points for identifying and naming them.

9. Blow Bubbles

This is such a calming activity for kids and adults! Simply relax into the moment and blow the biggest bubbles you possibly can.

Indoors Brain Breaks for Kids

educational brain breaks

10. Never Have I Ever Questions

These questions serve as an excellent brain break as they are quick and funny. Just exactly what a brain break should be.

11. Balloon Volleyball

Indoor settings are just perfect for a game of balloon volleyball! All you need for this indoor brain break for kindergarten is a balloon and quick reflexes.

12. Would You Rather Questions

Quiz your kids over some funny (and intense!) Would You Rather Questions and get them scratching their heads. 

We even have a whole section of intriguing Harry Potter Would You Rather Questions for all the potterheads.

13. Build a Coin Tower

Challenge your imagination and balancing skills by building the tallest tower from coins! This super fun, educational brain break for kids also doubles up as a hands-on STEM activity.

14. Animal Yoga

Roll out the yoga mat and let your child practice a few postures from animal yoga.

This indoor brain break for kindergartener works wonders with building flexibility and strengthening muscles. No wonder, every kid’s PE teacher loves it!

15. Indoor Treasure Hunting

You really don’t need to set up a treasure hunt for this one! Simply give clues to one of your child’s toys and let them get it for you.

What a fun way to make children move around without complaining!

16. Hula Hoop 

Hula-hoop is an excellent activity for kids that gets them moving happily! From simply moving it around their waists to moving it up and down their body, the possibilities are endless.

Physical brain breaks for middle School

17. Karaoke 

Have a singing sensation at home? Try karaoke for a virtual brain break. Simply choose from plenty of free options available online.

18. Balance Walk

This is such a fun brain break for kids that targets their coordination and body balancing. Simply ask your child to walk from one room to another while balancing a book (or a stack!) on their heads.

19. Indoor Workout

Try a quick indoor brain break of jumping jacks, burpees, squats and high heels. Start with the sets of 10 to 12 reps of each exercise before jumping to the next.

This physical brain break will surely get their blood pumping and their brains firing!

20. Shadow boxing

Shadow boxing is one of the perfect brain break ideas for a high-energy kid, your kid will not be disappointed with shadow boxing. Let them practice their jabs and kicks and try a wide range of movements. 

21. Mandala Colouring

Indulge into mandala colouring to experience deep calming and soothing effects. It is simply wonderful at switching your kid’s brain from their homework to their creative side.

Calming brain break for kids

22. Riddles

Indulge in riddles with your kids to break the monotony and stimulate different parts of the frontal lobe. Not only are riddles excellent brain boosters for kids but also highly entertaining.

Perfect for classroom setting as well!

23. Dance 

Play your child’s favourite song and let them show off their moves! Movement is great for kids and dancing is the perfect way to get moving.

Movement brain break for kids

24. Tongue Twisters

Tongue twisters are a wonderful break from schoolwork and almost always sure to bring out the lighter, funny side of your kids.

Engage in a fun session of funny tongue twisters to test your kiddo’s (and yours!) articulation skills. Teachers too rely on this free resource to excite and recharge students.

25. Jokes

Humour is a great way to reboot and recharge brain. Give your kids a re-energising brain break with these Knock Knock Jokes for Kids and get them rolling with laughter.

Related: Also check out Science Jokes and Math Jokes for kids to add humour to your child’s learning routine

26. This or That Questions

These questions are silly, fun and most importantly refreshing! Intended to get kids talking, these ice-breakers are perfect to recharge kids and get their minds re-booted.

27. Make Lemonade

This refreshing activity not only rewards your child’s mind but also their tummy. Plus, it is a great way to keep hydrated.

28. Play Truth or Dare

A quick session of truth or dare questions for kids can lighten up their moods and recharge them. Short and quick, it is wonderful brain break that can be played both indoors or outdoors.

29. Funny Questions

Quiz your kids over these funny questions to get them laughing. Excellent at rebooting brain, these funny questions are one of the best brain breaks for kids.

30. Brain Teasers

Brain teasers are a fun way to refreshen tired minds and get kids thinking creatively. Most of these questions are tricky, require kids to activate lateral thinking and often have answers that amuse them.

Brain Break Games for Kids

Brain break games

31. Connect 4

Indulge in a round or two of this brain break game for kids that is sure to get them thinking and in the competitive mode. 

brain break for students

Looking for interesting Board Games for Kids? We have got you covered! Here is an exhaustive list of Board Games for kids to play alone as well as with family!

32. Thumb Fight!

Thumb fights are a favourite with kids and are just the right way to give them a break. 

33. UNO

Who doesn’t love a game of UNO? This fun energising game can be played with the entire family and not just kids.

brain break activities for elementary

34. Card Games

Card games are always a hit with kids! They are quick and fun that makes them a perfect choice for brain breaks for kids. Choose from a wide array of options available and let the fun begin.

Also check out our Math Card Games to gamify math and practising operatives fun!

35. Dumb Charades

Think dumb charades is just a party game for kids? We bet not! Entertain your kids with a quick session of dumb charades and experience first hand how it works wonders as a brain break.

36. Stone-Paper-Scissor

How about a few games of classic stone-paper-scissor for a brain break? We bet your kids are going to love it!

37. Carrom Board

Play a quick game of carrom board with half the number of coins and see who can dominate the game with their sharp shots.

38. Foosball

Make use of your foosball table by sneaking in a 5-point game between works as a brain break. It is sure to get your kid’s spirits high!

Brain break games high school

39. Dots & Boxes

Indulge in the classic paper game of dots and boxes with your kids for a refreshing brain break. This easy brain break game is perfect for kindergarten as well!

40. Tic-Tac-Toe

Play a few rounds of tic-tac-toe for a fun-filled break. It is easy, fun and powers critical thinking for kids.

41. Atlas

This is a great brain break game for kids that works on their geography & memory skills. Start the game by naming a place with S (ending letter of ATLAS). Opponents take turns to name another place that starts with the ending letter of place called out before.

42. Dobble

This is a fun card game to play with kids and makes for an ideal brain break. 

Brain break for kids

Calming Brain Break Activities for Kids

Brain break activities

43. Play With Moon Sand

For some kids, sensory brain breaks do the trick. Playing with moon sand or any other sensorial material like Kinetic Sand, Water beads or Play dough is calming and helps relieve tension.

It is an excellent brain break that eases muscles in your hands and provides sensorial benefits as well.

44. Sensory Bins

A quick session with sensory bins can be extremely relaxing for your child with sensory needs and be just the right brain break they crave for. These are great for developing tactile skills.

43. 4-7-8 Breathing

Breathing is a wonderful way to calm down nerves. Not only it helps to regain composure but is also great for overall well-being.

No wonder, this relaxing breathing exercise for kids fits in perfectly as a calming brain break for kids. 

44. Square Breathing

This is a greatly calming exercise for kids who get worked up and frustrated with their assignments and need to re-center themselves before getting back to work. 

Virtual Brain Break Ideas

Brain breaks in the classroom

47. Jack Hartmann Brain Breaks

If music and dance is what gets your child happy and calm, hop onto Jack Hartmann brain breaks playlist. The songs are funny and upbeat, making them an energising brain break for kids and a favourite with many teachers.

Perfect for home and classroom, these are a must try!

48. Freeze Dance

Another classroom and teacher favourite, freeze dance for kids from Learning Station is certain to entertain children and help them relax. Just the perfect virtual brain break for kids of all ages!

Certain to get kids into dance party mode!

49. Shake Your Sillies Out

One of the most loved virtual brain break ideas for kids is Shake your Sillies Out. It is an exciting way to recharge your flustered child and get them back on track.

This fun action song brain break from Learning Station is certain to get your child in a light mood.

Have kids who love music? Here are some must try music activities and games for kids that will not only entertain your kids but you as well!

50. Pranayama 

Delve into the realms of calmness and peace and boost attention spans with these age-old breathing techniques of yoga – Pranayama! They are proven to calm the mind and increase focus.

Club these breathing exercises with your favourite yoga poses for deeper relaxation.

51. GoNoodle

GoNoodle is a great choice for virtual brain break as well as classroom brain break for kids.

The games are intended to make kids move around the room while exploring mindfulness. What’s more, they are loved by students and teachers both!

52. Room Recess

Try this fun virtual jigsaw puzzle game to give a much-needed break. Choose the difficulty level and let your mind race!

53. Quick Draw!

Like the name suggests, it’s a free drawing game much like Pictionary but here it’s the AI who has to guess your drawing. 

54.  Spirograph

Experiment with Spirograph and give form to your creativity. Kids who love spirograph will absolutely love this free online version.

How To Use Brain Breaks Effectively 

1. Explain Brain Break to Your Child

It is essential you discuss how to implement brain breaks with your child. Explain to them that these physical short breaks are intended to increase their focus and help them learn efficiently.

Every child is different and you may need to adjust the frequency and timing of the brain break accordingly. Make sure the breaks are long enough to recharge them but not so long to derail them from their schoolwork.

Design a schedule of homework and brain break that suits your child best. There should be a clear understanding of this alternating pattern and how long it should last.

2.  Choose The Right Brain Break

For some kids virtual brain breaks get so engrossing that they shy to return back to work. While for others, a quick online game works best at rebooting their brains.

Yoga poses for kids

Depending on your child’s learning style and preferences, choose a brain break that works for them. A good idea is to have a ready list of pre-chosen brain breaks, from each category above, to keep confusion at bay.

3. Keep a Timer Handy

Use a timer or stopwatch to ensure brain break lasts it’s stipulated time and does not under or overshoot. Place it somewhere where your kids can see it and return back to their homework without being nudged.

4. Evaluate & Rejig

For brain breaks to work effectively, it is important to analyze child’s experience with the brain break. Simple questions like:

Did you enjoy your homework better?

Did taking brain breaks make it easier for you to focus?

What kind of brain breaks work best for you?

Would you like to change the frequency or timing of the brain breaks to improve learning?

This introspection will help your kids to structure brain breaks in the best way possible to enhance their learning outcomes. Besides, they will also help take away the stress from schoolwork.

Let your child lead the process and evaluate the best available options. This will cultivate responsibility and a deep sense of control in your child, both of which are highly empowering. 

And maybe soon enough, they will come up with their creative and brilliant ideas of brain breaks not just for themselves but for you as well! 

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links, which means that I earn a minuscule (< 5%) commission if you purchase.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. TechyKids Canada says

    June 23, 2021 at 11:02 am

    These are some great suggestions and would be perfect for kids to recharge themselves in between learning sessions. Thanks for sharing these ideas, they are very creative!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Best St. Patrick’s Day Crafts For Kids
  • Gnome Leprechaun Craft for St. Patrick’s Day
  • Pot Of Gold – St. Patrick’s Day Craft For Kids

Most Popular

  • 170 Fun Facts For Kids – Weird But True!
  • 300+ Fun Trivia Questions For Kids (with Answers!)
  • 60+ Best Games to Play When Bored
  • 300+ Would You Rather Questions for Kids
  • Free Rebus Puzzles for Kids
  • Best Moral Stories for Kids to Help Build Character
  • 20 Baking Soda Experiments for Kids
  • Critical Thinking for Kids: Activities, Games and Books
  • What is STEM Education and Why is it Important for Kids?
  • 18 Easy Math Card Games for Kids

Blog Categories

  • Activities & Games (50)
  • Crafts (38)
  • Featured (20)
  • Literacy (24)
  • Numeracy (11)
  • Parenting (120)
  • STEM (81)

Our Newsletter

Join the Kidpillar Newsletter for weekly insights to lay strong foundation for kids holistically.

Thank you for subscribing!

Footer

About Us

Our Story
Gallery
Premise of Early Stem

Contact Us

Advertise on Kidpillar
Write For Us
Contact Us

Useful Links

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
FAQs

Copyright © 2023

x

Grab Our Freebie!
Winter Colour by Number

Thank you for downloading!