Kids get tired while learning in school. This could lead to them being cranky or mischievous. Brain break activities for elementary kids give your class a much-needed break during a full school day. These activities may involve physical activity and ultimately boost their energy level. Here is an exhaustive list of my favorite brain break activities for elementary kids to help your students take a much-needed mental break while learning.
1. Ball Toss Game
This is an easy example of fun brain break activities for kids that get them all completely involved. Get them a ball and have them throw it among themselves and into bowls or buckets for points. It’s fun and could go on for hours. Here’s a video on how you could play.
Learn More: YouTube
2. Stretching Exercises
Get the kids to unwind with stretching time. Instruct them to stand and stretch their arms and legs or move their hips in opposite directions. This helps to boost their mental energy and keep them fit. Look at a video of some kids stretching.
Learn More: YouTube
3. Dancing Breaks
Have a brain-break dance party with your little students. Play a favorite tune among the kids and change up the dance moves. Try out the chicken dance, freeze dance, and others for a delightful time. Have a look at some dance routines for popular songs.
Learn More: YouTube
4. Jumping Jacks
Kids need to exercise at regular intervals. Get them moving during breaks. They’ll be happy to get some time to work out some of their excess energy. Do a set of 5 or 10 jumping jacks with them. Look at one of the exercise videos for kids.
Learn More: YouTube
5. Simon Says Game
This game hones the children’s listening skills. How? All the kids have to do is listen to “Simon” and do whatever he says. Get them moving and stun them with creative commands. There are great Simon Says videos online, here’s one.
Learn More: YouTube
6. Copycat Game
In this game, you are increasing the children’s memorization skills. Pair them up or put them in a group and have them copy the lead person’s actions. It is very easy to follow, and you can watch a video here on how it is done.
Learn More: YouTube
7. The Floor is Lava
Work with the kids to set up this game as a fun project. Get the kids to avoid labeled spots on the ground. These spots are imagined as hot lava, so the kids must find other ways to cross over to their destination. You can watch how this game is played.
Learn More: YouTube
8. Hopscotch Game
A great way for the kids to unwind is hopscotch. It is a popular outdoor playground game played amongst kids. It is recommended to give the child a good workout. You can watch some moves here.
Learn More: YouTube
9. Jump Rope Time
You can have the kids do this individually or in groups. To make it even more fun, you can play some songs, which will aid with their memorization and motor skills. It is a fun game adored by kids and you can learn some skipping songs by checking out this video.
Learn More: YouTube
10. Swing Time
This is irresistible to any kid. They simply can’t say no to climbing on a swing. It’s fun and allows for some blood to get pumped into the brain. You cannot go wrong with this great method for a brain break.
Learn More: YouTube
11. Biking Time
You can give your kids a little freedom by letting them ride their bicycles around. It gives them some fresh air and aids in their coordination and vision skills. You can also use skateboards, scooters, or roller skates to substitute for bicycles. Teach them how to ride one here.
Learn More: YouTube
12. Playing Tag
One other way to give the kids a break from sitting around all day is to have them run around trying to avoid getting tagged by the one who is “it”. Recharges their brains and re-energizes their muscles. You can watch this video of some kids playing tag.
Learn More: YouTube
13. Animal Pretend
This is sure to be loved by the kids. Get them to walk like animals and play animal pretend. You can make it even more fun by putting on some music or having them do their animal actions in reverse. Watch how to here.
Learn More: YouTube
14. Thumb Wrestling
This game goes back ages and is still a good choice for kids. Simply pair them up and have them wrestle each other with their thumbs. It’s a sure way to get them excited. You can teach them the rules of the game by using this video.
Learn More: YouTube
15. Push-ups or Sit-ups Workout
Simply partner up the kids and have them count for the other as they do some push-ups or sit-ups. They get to have some fun and build up their muscles as well. Teach them how to have active time for play during breaks.
Learn More: YouTube
16. Pantomime Games
In this fun game, you pick one of the children to act out an activity with just their body language and no words. The rest of the kids then have to guess what the activity is. It requires some brainstorming and gives the kids a few laughs as well.
Learn More: YouTube
17. Rock, Paper, Scissors
Even adults play this fun game. The kids battle it out to find out the true champion of rock, paper, and scissors. It helps increase their thinking abilities and their memorization skills. Learn the rules of the game here.
Learn More: YouTube
18. Mindful Breathing Exercises
The age-old breathing techniques continue to gain traction in educational spaces. They have a lot of great benefits for the kids and double as a very strong SEL for kids of different ages. Watch this video to learn the various breathing techniques your kids can practice.
Learn More: YouTube
19. Yoga Practice
Yoga reduces anxiety and uneasiness while also strengthening the bodies and minds of those who practice it. Work with your kids in different yoga positions using these videos depicting yoga poses they can practice.
Learn More: YouTube
20. Senses Game
In this game, the kids will be exploring all five of their senses by engaging in this neural activity. This combines mindfulness with all five senses of the body, which include touch, taste, sight, hearing, and smell. Watch how you can get this game started in this video.
Learn More: YouTube
21. Arts & Crafts
With some coloring pens, crayons, drawing books, and construction paper you can let your kids go on a creative journey. Allow them to express themselves and make a controlled mess. Here are some great arts and crafts ideas for your kids to practice.
Learn More: YouTube
22. Playdough Crafts
No child can resist playdough. Allow their creativity to take over by telling them to create absolutely anything they want. From a star to a castle, anything goes! Here’s a video for reference.
Learn More: YouTube
23. Scavenger Hunt
This exciting game builds up the observational skills of the kids and gives their brains a good workout. You can simply ask the children to search for specific items and give them bonus points for every item identified and named. Watch some good scavenger hunt videos here.
Learn More: YouTube
24. Cup Towers Buildings
Let’s get more hands-on with this activity. All the kids have to do is build a tower from nothing but cups. It’s a way for them to use their imagination and also hone their balancing skills. You can check out how to do it here.
Learn More: YouTube
25. Treasure Hunt
Get the kids moving around and using their brains to solve clues and riddles in this fun game. Provide clues to certain items and have the kids find the location of each item. It’s not that hard to set up and you can use this video here to set it up.
Learn More: YouTube
26. Karaoke-Offs
You cannot mention fun activities without noting karaoke or sing-alongs. Pick a song that everyone loves and have the class sing along together. There are several options of great songs for you to pick online. This is an example of a karaoke session here.
Learn More: YouTube
27. Balance Walk Exercise
I’ve got fond memories of my friends and me prancing around the room with books on our heads and failing every time at this activity. Get your class lively with this tasking activity and watch them enjoy themselves. Place a stack of books on their heads and tell them to walk without the books toppling. Sounds fun right?
Learn More: YouTube
28. Tongue Twisters
The kids can engage in a game of funny tongue twisters to get everyone laughing and relaxed. You can also use this game to test out their articulation skills. Watch some fun tongue twisters in this video.
Learn More: YouTube
29. Joke Telling
You can take a break from a serious class session by telling a few jokes to the children. There are great knock-knock jokes for kids you can find online. Here’s a video with great jokes you can use.
Learn More: YouTube
30. Question Games
There are lots of question games you can play with the kids. For an interesting break, you could play “Would You Rather?”, “This or That?” Or other exciting and interactive quizzes. Here are some examples.
Learn More: YouTube
31. Lemonade Making
In this type of brain break activity for elementary kids, everyone has the chance to refresh as well as have the pleasure of learning a new skill. Making lemonade and setting up a stand for selling it will encourage budding entrepreneurs. Watch how to make lemonade in this video.
Learn More: YouTube
32. Truth or Dare Rounds
Kids can play silly games with their family or classmates. They’re sure to make everyone laugh. A great way to let off classroom stress and socialize with their friends. Here are some examples.
Learn More: YouTube
33. Brain Teasers
Refresh their young minds with teasers that’ll keep them occupied. It is a way to hone their creativity as they try to think up answers to tricky questions. Here is a video showing good brain teasers for kids.
Learn More: MentalUP – Educational Games
34. Card Games
Kids enjoy playing and learning new card games. It’s a great choice for an idle brain break. They have the option of picking from a variety of options and if you want to keep things educational, you can throw in some math card games as well. Watch this video on card games for kids.
Learn More: YouTube
35. Atlas Viewing
This excellent example of a brain break activity for elementary school kids is an all-rounder. Not only is it fun, but it boosts memory skills and also teaches them a thing or two about geography. It’s a simple game, and you can learn how it’s played here.
Learn More: YouTube
36. Sensory Bins Time
This activity provides relaxing time and might just be the kind of break the children need in order to regroup and focus afterward. A sensory bin provides for the child’s sensory needs and increases their tactile skills. Watch a video of how it works.
Learn More: YouTube
37. Foosball Game
A quick foosball game is always appealing to kids and adults alike. So, if you’re looking for a good brain break activity, don’t overthink it. Just whip out your foosball table and let everyone enjoy a good time.
Learn More: YouTube
38. Tic Tac Toe Game
This evergreen game has been a kid favorite for a long time, and you can always rely on it to be a fun brain break activity for everyone. It’s easy and quick to play.
Learn More: YouTube
39. Dots and Boxes Game
This is another classic game popular with kids. This easy paper game will get the children’s minds refreshed and relaxed. It’s not that hard to set up, and you can watch how to do so here.
Learn More: Jon Nethercott
40. Connect Four Game
Connect Four is just like tic-tac-toe, but rather than linking 3 in a row, they have to connect 4 in a row. If you don’t know how it’s played, watch this video.
Learn More: YouTube
41. Storytelling Time
Make storytime a group activity with this fun idea. Have your students help you make up a story as they use their shared imagination to come up with an exciting tale! Not only will this task get them working together, but it’s also a terrific way to inspire creativity and communication!
Learn More: Resilient Educator
42. Paper Plate Frisbee
You’ve got a classroom full of potential artists and athletes – let’s tap into that! First, they can show off their creative skills by decorating paper plates. Once these have been crafted, they can burn off energy by using them as frisbees! Who said a classroom can’t be a sports ground and art studio all at once
Learn More: Make and Takes
43. Drawing in the Air
Have your kiddos practice their artistic skills in thin air! Let their fingers be the brushes and the air their canvas whilst their imaginations do the rest. It’s a fun and almost magical way to improve their focus and explore their creativity.
Learn More: Starcatchers
44. Human Knot Game
Picture this – a tangled web of kids holding hands, laughing, and working together to untangle the knot. The Human Knot Game is more than just fun, it’s literally a hands-on lesson in teamwork and problem-solving!
Learn More: IcebreakerIdeas
45. Chair Aerobics
Exercise doesn’t always require a gym! Show your kiddies how to perform chair aerobics, right from their seats, to combine movement with fun. It’s like a fun mini-workout session that will help them refresh their minds for more learning.
Learn More: YouTube
46. Blindfolded Drawing
Bring some fun into your kids’ day with this hilarious art-based brain break. Give your learners blindfolds before telling them what item or animal to draw. The results are sure to be interesting, and will undoubtedly have your students laughing their way into the next lesson.!
Learn More: YouTube
46. Reading Aloud
There’s no denying that there’s something magical about the spoken word. Have your kiddos pick their favorite book and breathe life into the words on the pages by reading a few paragraphs aloud. It’s like a mini audio book, and they’re the narrators!
Learn More: Alexandria Library Software
47. Group Juggling
Let your little performers have a go at juggling and watch as your classroom turns into a vibrant and energetic stage. Not only will your students have fun but they’ll also be working on their hand-eye coordination!
Learn More: Physics World
48. Friendship Circle
In a world that needs more kindness, why not start with your classroom? Holding a friendship circle in your class can encourage positivity, unity, and a sense of community among your kiddos.
Learn More: Friendship Circle
49. Magic Tricks
Abracadabra! Show your mini magicians how to perform a magic trick to turn your classroom into a realm of wonder and curiosity. Teaching a simple trick or even encouraging them to perform their own is a super way to get them energized and refocused!
Learn More: YouTube
50. Color Changing Milk Experiment
Who’s ready for a mini-science experiment? Set up to conduct your experiment by gathering some milk and food coloring. Next, get your learners to add dish soap to a dish filled with the aforementioned ingredients and be amazed as the colors change right before their eyes!
Learn More: Steve Spangler Science
51. Paper Plane Race
Who says physics can’t be fun? Let your kiddos be engineers and pilots for the day as they design and fly paper planes. They’ll have fun discovering the basic principles of aerodynamics and get competitive as they race their creations.
Learn More: Fold ‘N Fly
52. Straw and Pom Pom Races
On your marks, get set, blow! Give your kids straws and pom poms and the laughter is guaranteed with this fun brain break activity. This hilariously entertaining game is also a super creative way to teach them about cause-and-effect relationships.
Learn More: PBS
53. Paper Snowflakes
Give your classroom a winter makeover with this simple brain break craft! Show your kiddos how to make paper snowflakes with a piece of folded paper and scissors. With this idea, you’re not only introducing them to a fun craft but also enhancing their understanding of patterns and symmetry.
Learn More: DREME Stanford
54. Hula Hoop Contest
Let your students get competitive with a hula hoop contest! This idea is a surefire way to pump up the energy and laughter, all while giving your students a fun, physical workout. What a great way to perk your students up and get them energized for the next lesson!
Learn More: Verywell Family
55. Guess the Object
It’s time for your kiddos to put on their detective hats and solve the mystery. This guessing game idea is not only a simple brain break, but it’s also a fantastic way to get them to use their thinking and questioning skills. A simple box, an unknown object, and a whole lot of curiosity are all it’ll take for you to get your classroom buzzing with anticipation and curiosity!
Learn More: Pinterest
56. Music Instrument Show and Tell
This activity is essentially show and tell with a musical twist! Give the mini maestros in your class the floor and let them show the rest of the class what they can do with their instruments. It’s a fabulous opportunity for your little Mozarts to express their musical talents and for your class to appreciate each other’s unique gifts!
Learn More: Lingokids
57. Alphabet Game
Put a fun twist on learning the alphabet with this idea. Start with the letter A and have your learners come up with foods, animals, places, or people that begin with that letter. Challenge them to come up with different categories each time you play and the possibilities of this game become endless!
Learn More: Games4esl
58. Shadow Puppets
Let creativity shine when the lights go out with this next idea! Your kiddos’ imaginations will run wild as they bring storytelling to life with just their hands and a flashlight to make shadow puppets and use a classroom wall to create an intriguing tale.
Learn More: YouTube
59. Silent Ball
Shhh…don’t make a sound! Give your students a soft ball and task them with passing the ball to one another in complete silence. They’ll need to communicate with each other and move around as quietly as they can in this riveting game of skill and focus.! This quiet brain break is a brilliant way to regain your pupils’ focus while keeping them calm for the next lesson.
Learn More: Playworks
60. Who Am I?
Who doesn’t love a bit of mystery? Give your kiddies pictures or names of famous characters to stick on their backs and watch them turn into detectives! As they move around the room, you can encourage them to ask questions, think critically, and try to guess their secret identities. What a super way to bring a bit of mystery and excitement into your classroom!
Learn More: Playmeo
61. Ribbon Dancing
Start by giving your learners a choice of vibrant colored ribbons and then add music! Encourage them to listen to the music and use their ribbons to dance with them to the beat. As they dance and twirl, they’ll be expressing their creativity, burning some energy, and sharing lots of laughs along the way!
Learn More: MomJunction
62. Arm Wrestling Contests
Kickstart some friendly competition in your classroom with an arm wrestling contest. As they compete, teach your kiddos that it’ll take more than just physical strength to beat their opponent, but also strategic thinking. Let the games begin!
Learn More: York Daily Record
63. Puzzles
The humble jigsaw puzzle is a fantastically simple brain break tool that can be tailored for use within any class. Watch as your students turn into focused problem solvers- their little minds whirring as they sort and piece together the pieces.
Learn More: Osmo
64. Origami Making
Take your learners on a journey to Japan by teaching them the beautiful art of origami. As you show them how to craft impressive creations, each fold they’ll make is a lesson in concentration, patience, and precision!
Learn More: YouTube
65. Group Doodling
Let your students’ creativity shine with a group doodling project. Set up a large blank canvas for your creative kiddos and watch it come alive with their colorful doodles! As they scribble away, you’re giving them the chance to work together and collaborate on something that they can all be proud of!
Learn More: Pinterest
66. Memory Recall Game
Memory is a muscle, and this simple memory game is the perfect exercise. Show your students a tray with a variety of objects for 30 seconds and then cover the tray and see how many they can remember. It’s like a gym for the brain, where your students can flex and train their memory muscles!
Learn More: Growing Play
67. Follow the Leader
A classroom classic- Follow the Leader is a perfect way to promote movement, attention, and listening skills. Pick a ‘leader’ and explain to your class that they must watch closely and copy everything their ‘leader’ does. As they watch and mimic the leader’s actions, they’ll be fine-tuning their observational skills in a fun and unusual way!
Learn More: Empowered Parents
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