Brain Breaks

For a few years now we have had a physical education teacher, Nadine Stanley, speaking to our staff about what she calls “Brain Breaks”. In her presentation she shared the following information about the positives of these short bursts of physical activity in a classroom:

• Exercise leads to the release of:
• Endorphins – mood regulator
• Dopamine-similar to adrenaline (controls movt. emotional responses, experiencing pleasure
• Norepinephrine- relays message

• Positives in the Classroom:
• Reduces stres
• Helps with impulse contro
• Combats depressio
• Focuses attentio
• Increase self-estee
• Increase motivation
• Helps mood and anxiety regulation

There are many activities that are used but many of them focus on “crossing” the body. While doing this, there is some heightened brain activity that happens. This crossing of the midline helps your brain communicate across the two hemispheres. What I can tell you is these get the kids up out of their seats and the slight movement helps break up a long period of time. This prezi is just a small sampling of Brain Breaks that have been shared by Nadine but are a great place to start.

Brain Breaks on Prezi