Brain Break - Two Laps and a Nap

I'm in the middle of a Thirty-Day Challenge. This is 11/30.

I made a goal this year to include brain breaks more often in my classroom. To start, I searched the internet for benefits and gathered resources. I put everything in a Notion document and later shared it on this website. Here they are.

Of all of the Brain Break benefits the two I appreciate most are that they help students focus and that they reduce stress and anxiety.

"Two Laps and a Nap" is a simple brain break that my 8th graders enjoy and often request. It is a great way to take a break after about 20 minutes of sustained mental effort.

Students walk twice around the room and then return to their seats, put their heads down, and relax. I play Spa Radio from Sirius XM when their heads are down and set a three-minute timer. In a quiet classroom, three minutes seems like a long time.

I initially thought that my students wouldn't take it seriously. There were a few initial giggles, but then quiet settled in.

I asked for feedback after our first trial, and it was positive. I can even take breaks with them now, and I love it.

Most teachers I know are stressed and overworked. I suspect that most of my students don't get the sleep they need, and many deal with anxiety. The break is most welcome.

I would guess that the regular use of brain breaks increases the time students are focused and productive. They are worth a 3-5 minute investment.