“Are you sure?” I asked my principal. “It’s about to get loud.” He had planned a meeting in the library, which is right outside my classroom door, for the principals in our district. He told me to not worry about it and to do what I always do. “Okayyyyyyy,” I replied as I walked away, happily knowing that my principal “gets it.” Now, let’s hope the other principals and the director of our feeder understood that kids need to move and talk during a brain break.
Kids Need to Move!
I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time sitting still for longer than twenty minutes, let alone a whole class period. Maybe that’s why professional development days are a little torturous for me, and long block periods can be excruciating for some students. With this in mind, I always make sure that my students are changing up activities or are moving at least every 15 – 20 minutes. This is why “10 Second Objects” is one of my favorite brain breaks. Beware, though, it can get loud!
If you have been reading my blog for some time, you know that I like activities that don’t take a lot of preparation on my part. I like to spend time planning my lessons (yes, I think that’s fun), but I don’t like to make photocopies, cut things out, etc. It’s why I didn’t last long as an elementary school teacher. Besides, my mother told me that my kindergarten teacher said that I could never learn to hold the scissors correctly for cutting. I’ve been traumatized ever since!
How to Play “10 Second Objects” Brain Break
Ten seconds is all it took for me to explain the game to the students. This is why it makes a great brain break, and it is good for any grade level!
- Have the students get into groups of 3 or four. They may have to move desks/tables to give them enough space to move around. Check to make sure that everyone is in a group. There are always a few wandering around aimlessly. Just tell them which group to join; it’s easier for them at times.
- Explain that you are going to tell them an object, and their group needs to form that object by the time you count down from ten. Everyone must participate in their group and somehow look connected.
- Then tell them that they are working on creativity, actions, and cooperation today.
- They must “freeze” when you say freeze, after counting down. If they move or make a noise after you say “freeze,” their group is disqualified for that round.
- When you say “Go,” if they object moves or makes noise, then that is that the time to do it.
- Next, look around the room and find the most connected, creative group. Then declare a winner for that round. Don’t keep score, each round is new. You should explain why each group won, so they get an idea of what you are looking for.
I love to look around and see even my shy students get into this activity. It is their smiles and laughter that make this one of my favorite brain breaks.
Here Are a Couple of Examples:
Fireworks display:
Of course, they had to do a pirate ship in my pirate-themed classroom.
Back to the Principals
At one point, the director of our feeder area poked his head in the door, in the middle of his presentation. I thought, “Oh no, I’m busted.” I apologized later, and he said, “It sounded so fun in there. I just wanted to see what everyone was up to.” So, yes, he understood it too. Everyone needs to move and be creative.
Other Brain Break Games:
If you would like to find some other fun brain break games, you can find them on my website: Here are two of my favorite ones:
What are some of your favorite brain break games?
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