As teachers, we’ve all seen what happens when attention starts to fade, tensions grow high, or chaos is soon to ensue. A once-focused and regulated class becomes restless, distracted, overwhelmed, or even hostile. While the temptation might be to push through, research shows that giving students short, intentional breaks is actually one of the most effective ways to boost learning.

Brain breaks aren’t just fun or silly. They serve a critical role in helping kids regulate emotions, reset their energy, allow learning to sink in, and refocus their attention. When students move their bodies, even for just two minutes, their brains are better able to process information and engage with new material.

The best part? Brain breaks don’t have to be long or complicated. In fact, just 1–3 minutes of movement or mindful activity is often enough to restore focus. These short pauses protect students’ energy, prevent burnout, and keep learning on track.

Think of them as little resets that unlock more meaningful learning.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a free resource with 5 simple brain break activities you can use in your classroom today. Each one is quick, low-prep, and designed to work with any group of students.

👉 Download your Free Brain Breaks resource!

When we pause with purpose, we create classrooms where students can thrive—focused, calm, and ready to learn.