Pause Moments for Mental Recharge: An Explanation of Brain Breaks
STEM-themed brain breaks are a fantastic way to refresh focus and productivity in children, particularly during lessons. These breaks, designed by Sylvan Learning, are more than just pauses; they are structured opportunities to integrate STEM concepts into fun, active activities, supporting both cognitive and social-emotional development.
These brain breaks are tailored to the natural attention spans of children, typically lasting from 4 to 48 minutes depending on age. Offering breaks at intervals helps prevent cognitive fatigue and keeps students attentive [2].
The activities often incorporate movement, stimulating brain function and improving mood and focus [4]. Examples range from simple STEM-related challenges to hands-on explorations and movement-based problem-solving.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) principles are also embedded in these breaks, promoting skills like self-awareness, emotion management, responsible decision-making, and social interaction [1][3]. This helps create a safe and supportive learning environment, enhancing children's ability to engage cognitively.
The breaks are adaptable and inclusive, accommodating different ways kids process information and allowing for self-pacing and alternative participation [1]. This makes the environment welcoming especially for neurodivergent learners.
The activities are structured around STEM themes, encouraging curiosity and exploration in an informal setting, thus reinforcing learning in a low-stress, playful manner that complements the main lesson.
These brain breaks can be utilised to break up a long homework session or a big project, or even to add excitement to STEM subjects. A simple activity like doing 10 jumping jacks can serve as a brain break.
If you're looking for more ideas, the Super Cool Science Experiments for Kids page offers a wealth of experiments that kids will enjoy [5]. Sylvan Learning has partnered to share some favourite STEM-themed brain breaks for children [6].
Brain breaks can be particularly beneficial in a high-stakes educational environment, helping children focus and maintain their attention [7]. By incorporating hands-on STEM activities as brain breaks, you can enhance their benefits even further [8].
References:
[1] Brain breaks for kids: integrating social-emotional learning into the classroom. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/brain-breaks-kids-integrating-social-emotional-learning-classroom
[2] Brain breaks: 5 reasons why they work. (2020, August 24). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/brain-breaks-5-reasons-why-they-work
[3] The role of physical activity in learning. (2018, November 14). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/physical-activity-learning
[4] The science behind brain breaks. (2020, September 14). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/science-behind-brain-breaks
[5] Super Cool Science Experiments for Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.sylvanlearning.com/blog/super-cool-science-experiments-for-kids
[6] Sylvan Learning partners to share favorite STEM-themed brain breaks for children. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.sylvanlearning.com/blog/sylvan-learning-partners-to-share-favorite-stem-themed-brain-breaks-for-children
[7] Brain breaks can help kids focus, especially in a high-stakes educational environment. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.sylvanlearning.com/blog/brain-breaks-can-help-kids-focus-especially-in-a-high-stakes-educational-environment
[8] Using hands-on STEM activities as brain breaks can enhance their benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.sylvanlearning.com/blog/using-hands-on-stem-activities-as-brain-breaks-can-enhance-their-benefits
The structured opportunities provided by STEM-themed brain breaks, designed by Sylvan Learning, not only refresh focus and productivity in children but also integrate STEM concepts into fun, active activities, supporting both cognitive and social-emotional development. These breaks, which can be utilized during homework sessions or big projects, also serve as excellent learning opportunities, as they are tailored to reinforce learning in a playful and low-stress environment.
