What Are Some Brain Break Activities for Kids?

By Julie Diamond, OCT

Do you find yourself in need of a quick and engaging activity to give your child or student a break while still promoting learning? Here, I've curated a list of activities that not only serve as enjoyable diversions but also sneakily encourage learning. Let's explore these educational breaks and infuse some fun into those extra few minutes!

1. The Creativity Bag Reimagined:

Keep a bag filled with miscellaneous items like markers, elastics, shoelaces, and more. Challenge your child or student to pick an item and brainstorm how it could be reinvented for a different purpose. This activity sparks creativity and encourages thinking outside the box. As an extension, ask them to come up with two alternative uses for the same item.

2. Interactive Storytelling Circle:

Gather in a circle and initiate a story with a couple of sentences. Pass a ball to your child or student, who adds their sentence before tossing the ball to another participant. Keep the story going, and have someone write down the sentences to compile a funny book. This activity fosters creativity, collaboration, and literacy skills.

3. Squiggle Story Challenge:

Draw a line and challenge your child or student, using their non-dominant hand, to turn it into a character for a story. They can time themselves or take it at their own pace. Once the drawing is complete, have them create and orally share a story inspired by their squiggle creation. This activity enhances fine motor skills and storytelling abilities.

4. Compliment Connection:

Write each person's name on a piece of paper. Participants draw a name and pair up to exchange compliments. This activity promotes positivity, social skills, and a sense of community.

5. Multiples of 7 Challenge:

Sit in a circle and count forward in sequence. When a person lands on a multiple of 7, they have to make another sound instead of saying the number. To up the challenge, include numbers containing 7 (e.g., 17, 27). This game enhances mathematical skills and mental agility.

6. Body Brain Teasers:

Experiment with body brain teasers like tapping your head and rubbing your stomach simultaneously. Encourage your child or student to create their body brain teaser, fostering coordination and cognitive flexibility.

7. Rock, Scissors, Paper & Math Fun:

Combine the classic Rock, Scissors, Paper game with math. On the final 'shoot' movement, participants lay down 1-5 fingers. The first one to correctly state the sum (or product for multiplication practice) wins the round. This game entertainingly reinforces math skills.

8. Language Exploration:

Utilize the break to learn a new language together or invent your own language. Take turns speaking and translating with your child or student, fostering language skills and creativity.

Incorporating these activities into your routine not only provides a refreshing break but also encourages differentiated learning and the incorporation of math and literacy games. Make the most of those spare moments by combining fun and learning for an enriched educational experience!
 

Did I miss any games you like to play at home? Email me.

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