Movement Breaks
Overview
Brain breaks that include movement allow learners to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information. Movement breaks provide the opportunity for learners to be physically active and release their excess energy, supporting their Sensory Integration needs and Physical Well-being.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch how this elementary teacher incorporates movement-based activities that can be used as a break in a math classroom. Students move and chant number patterns and, in doing so, feel refreshed and ready to learn their math lesson.
Design It into Your Product
Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.
GoNoodle provides energetic brain break videos that can be used in the classroom. By engaging learners in quick, fun movement breaks, GoNoodle activates learners' bodies and brains so they are ready to concentrate and learn.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Multisensory Supports Strategies
Communication boards are displays of graphics (e.g., pictures, symbols, illustrations) and/or words where learners can gesture or point to the displays to extend their expressive language potential.
Adding motions to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for recall and understanding.
Short breaks that include mindfulness quiet the brain to allow for improved thinking and emotional regulation.
Providing physical and virtual representations of numbers and math concepts helps activate mental processes.
Connecting information to music and dance can support Short-term and Long-term Memory by engaging auditory processes, Emotions, and physical activity.
Research shows physical activity improves focus and creativity.
Incorporating multiple senses with strategies like chewing gum, using a fidget, and sitting on a ball chair supports focus and Attention.
Using earplugs or headphones can increase focus and comfort.
Transforming written text into audio activates different parts of the brain to support learning.
Tossing a ball, beanbag, dice, or other small object activates physical focus in support of mental focus.
Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and guided reading strip, help students focus and properly track as they read.
