1. rmc.org Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Strategies for Schools Page 1
Brain Breaks
in Elementary Schools
Why Brain Breaks?
Brain Breaks, also called Classroom Energizers or Brain Boosts, are active movements designed to help
students refocus for learning. They can be energizing or relaxing, depending on what the class needs at the
time of the break. Brain Breaks are enjoyable for students and beneficial for the brain. The brain shifts its
attention and focus about every ninety minutes. A short break from focused concentration gives the brain a
chance to consolidate information for better retention and retrieval of learned concepts and material. The
physical movement increases blood flow, bringing more oxygen to the brain, which leads to improved
concentration. Students are more ready to learn after the break.
Evidence shows that participation in “Brief classroom physical activity breaks (i.e., 5–10 minutes) are
associated with improved cognitive performance (e.g., attention, concentration), classroom behavior (e.g.,
on-task behavior), and educational outcomes (e.g., standardized test scores, reading literacy scores, math
fluency scores) among students”(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health and Academic
Achievement, 2014).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can schools do to support Brain Breaks?
A: Here are a few suggestions:
• Principals can ask teachers to try Brain Breaks in their classrooms. (Please see the following Sample
Teacher Letter Regarding Brain Breaks.)
• Give a list of easily accessible, free, and low-cost tools and resources to teachers. (Please see the Brain
Breaks in Elementary School Classrooms for a list of ideas.)
• Write about the importance of Brain Breaks and share a success story in the school’s newsletter. Post
information on the school’s website or Facebook page, or through other social media.
• Take pictures of students enjoying Brain Breaks and post them in the hallways and on classroom
bulletin boards.
• Discuss Brain Breaks at school wellness team meetings. Consider joining your school’s wellness team
or starting a team if there is not one already.
Q: What are the barriers to incorporating Brain Breaks in classrooms?
A: Teachers commonly perceive a lack of time and do not have easily accessible, free, or low-cost
resources and tools. However, Brain Breaks take only a couple of minutes and add value to instructional
time. Effective Brain Breaks are designed not to be time consuming or cumbersome, and teachers can see
immediate benefits with their students. (Please see the Brain Breaks in Elementary School Classrooms list
for easily accessible, free, and low-cost tools and resources.)

2. rmc.org Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Strategies for Schools Page 2
Sample Teacher Letter Regarding Brain Breaks
Dear Teachers,
Name of Elementary School is creating a healthier school environment by supporting Brain Breaks in all of
our classrooms. Brain Breaks, also called Classroom Energizers or Brain Boosts, are active movements
designed to help students refocus for learning. They can be energizing or relaxing, depending on what the
class needs at the time of the break.
Evidence shows that participation in “Brief
classroom physical activity breaks (i.e., 5-10
minutes) are associated with improved
cognitive performance (e.g., attention,
concentration), classroom behavior (e.g., on-
task behavior), and educational outcomes
(e.g., standardized test scores, reading literacy
scores, math fluency scores) among students”
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Health and Academic Achievement, 2014).
Brain Breaks are part of the School Wellness Team Plan/School Health Improvement Plan: “During
the 2014–15 school year, all classrooms will use a Brain Break activity to increase physical activity for
a minimum of 5–10 minutes a day.”
Teachers are encouraged to try different Brain Breaks to see which work best for their classroom and
students. Please see Brain Breaks in Elementary School Classrooms for a list of easily accessible, free,
and low-cost tools and resources.
The Brain Breaks in Elementary School Classrooms list is not comprehensive, and creative ideas are
always welcomed. If you have suggestions for Brain Breaks, please share with other teachers at staff
meetings and/or School Wellness Team meetings. We appreciate your support!
We welcome teachers on the School Wellness Team. Meetings are held every month on day, time, and
location. For more information on the School Wellness Team and/or Brain Breaks, please contact the
School Wellness Team Co-leaders at phone # and e-mail.
Sincerely,
School Wellness Team and
Principal Name and Signature

3. rmc.org Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Strategies for Schools Page 3
Brain Breaks in Elementary School Classrooms
There are a variety of Brain Breaks to choose from. This list is not comprehensive; however, it is a
great start for elementary school teachers. Keep in mind that some Brain Breaks are more energizing
than others. Observe your students to see what type of movement is best for them at the time. In the
afternoon, students are usually ready to be refreshed and energized. Right before a test, students may
benefit from Brain Breaks that are relaxing and calming, such as certain yoga poses.
Free Tools and Resources
• 5210 Let’s Go, Motor Break Activities for the Classroom – The 5210 Wellness Committee at
Lincoln Middle School created a set of easy-to-download activity cards for staff.
(letsgo.org/wp-content/uploads/Activity_Cards_for_the_Classroom.pdf)
• Active Academics, Learning on the Move! – Active Academics® is a resource for classroom
teachers to provide practical physical activity ideas that can be integrated into regular classroom
content areas. It requires simple online registration. Search for “Classroom Energizers” after you
register and log in. (activeacademics.org)
• GoNoodle – Sign up online for access to short classroom Brain Breaks that can be viewed on the
wall, a screen, or an interactive white board. (gonoodle.com)
• JAM (Just-a-Minute) School Program – Simple fitness routines are designed to take “just-a-
minute.” Sign up online for access to these movements and other free wellness tools.
(jamschoolprogram.com)
• Learning Landscapes Toolkit Brain Breaks – Get moving with these
online classroom brain breaks. (rmc.org/heal)
• North Carolina Energizers – These classroom-based physical activities
have been evaluated and found to show improvements in students’
physical activity levels. (eatsmartmovemorenc.com/Energizers/Texts/K-5-
Energizers.pdf)
• Pinterest Board – Sign up for an account to have access to a variety of
ideas for classroom Brain Breaks on the Pinterest boards. (pinterest.com)
• Take a Break! Cards, Greeley Public Schools – These easy-to-
download cards are an innovative and fun way to promote physical
activity and mental alertness throughout the day.
(greeleyschools.org/Page/11394)
• YouTube – Search for Elementary Classroom Brain Breaks. Always
make sure to preview each one for suitability before watching with
students. (youtube.com)
Low-Cost Tools and Resources
• Fit Sticks – Let students choose from a set of sticks labeled with 1–2 minute activities (march or
jog in place, jump rope with an invisible rope, jog 2–3 laps around the classroom, etc.). You can
make your own Fit Sticks with students, or order ready-to-use “Healthy Kids Club, Minds in
Motion Fit Sticks,” ($18 per cup or $16 for 10 or more).
(uchealth.org/northerncolorado/Documents/file-pdf/PVH-WELL-HKResourceOrder-Form.pdf)
• Take 10! – This kit includes 10-minute, grade-specific, structured activities. Each TAKE 10! kit
costs $82. (take10.net)
• Yoga 4 Classrooms Activity Cards – One deck of yoga cards costs $32. (yoga4classrooms.com)
For higher cost Brain Breaks resources, look for grant opportunities and work with the School Wellness
Team to apply for funding.