Summer time is here and all we want to do is relax. Honestly, making my kids do any type of learning sounds exhausting, especially after finishing up at home learning. Schools around the country are seeing an increase of summer school enrollment, due to the learning loss from the pandemic. Preparing your kids for the next grade can feel overwhelming after finishing up at home learning. I don’t blame you, but readiness, especially for kindergarten, is important during the summer. So whether you are going over alphabet sounds or simple math problems, take some time to do some learning. Once a week at least for 1-2 hours is just enough. But while you are working on improving their skills, don’t forget to take a brain break. Brain breaks give your kids and yourself a chance to release energy and enjoy the learning.
What are brain breaks?
Right before I started writing this paragraph, I had to take a brain break. I simply stepped away from my laptop and started having a dance/ straightening up party. So what are brain breaks? From Teach Hub: They are small mental breaks designed to help students focus and attend. They typically get students moving and allow blood and oxygen to flow to the brain. These breaks allow students a small reset in the day and enhance energy and relaxation.
This can apply to anyone, not just students. Think about when you are working or even doing something with the kids. You may often say, ooh I need a break. Then you go do something else for a minute. You need that time to reset your brain to be more productive in your day.
Benefits of Brain Breaks
The benefits of brain breaks include better behavior, increased productivity, enhanced comprehension, creative thinking, and increased time on task.I have noticed in my own children, when they are focused on any task too long, even going outside for a few minutes really stimulates them. It is very good for them to retain the knowledge. Also the breaks can help them calm down and focus, if you have hyper active kids like me this can be great. By taking brain breaks you are encouraging them to use a different part of their brain, and may not even know it. Too many brain breaks in one sitting can turn into procrastination so be aware of that.
Brain Break Activities
My favorite brain break activities are small art projects. I feel like it allows my kids to be more creative and express themselves. According to PBS, “When kids are encouraged to express themselves and take risks in creating art, they develop a sense of innovation that will be important in their adult lives. “The kind of people society needs to make it move forward are thinking, inventive people who seek new ways and improvements, not people who can only follow directions,” says Kohl. “Art is a way to encourage the process and the experience of thinking and making things better!”” An activity my kids and I enjoy doing is marble art , it is relaxing but can be a little messy. Some non-art brain breaks include; playing a few rounds of tic-tac-toe which helps with writing or making a snack which helps with following directions. An example of an activity that is not a brain break is watching TV and playing certain video games. Find other activities here, and happy brain breaking.
I would like to thank Busy World Learning Center in Marietta, GA for having me as a guest , to discuss brain breaks with their summer transition program. These pictures were taken during the activity and learning.
