Upper Elementary Kids “Too Cool” for the Classic Brain Breaks?
Are your upper elementary students becoming “too cool” for the classic brain breaks? I’ve got you covered! Below are four brain breaks that my upper elementary students (hello sassy 5th graders) ACTUALLY enjoyed!
Quick Categories Game
How to play: get a soft ball, and have your students stand in a circle with one student holding the ball. Name a category - think ice cream flavors, animals, types of fruit, musical artists. The first student will say something that belongs in this category, then throw it to another student. That student will name another item that belongs in the category and pass the ball to another student. Any student that repeats something that has already been said OR drops the ball is out!
Quiz Blitz on YouTube
This is a SUPER simple but fun brain break that my students LOVED. Pull up a Quiz Blitz quiz on YouTube, press play, and let your students take a fun quiz! There are quizzes covering all types of categories from animal sounds to movie characters! Here is a personal fave:
Listen to a Kid-Friendly Podcast
When your students need a brain break, but you don’t want to wind them up, try a podcast! I loved turning off the lights, letting my kids relax, and turning on a podcast for 5-10 minutes to give them a break while keeping the vibes calm. Here are some faves your students might enjoy:
Wow in the World
Brains On!
Moment of Um
The Fact Detectives
Mr. Hassell’s Brain Breaks on YouTube
This page on YouTube is SO fun for upper elementary kiddos! My personal favorites are the “would you rather” videos. This is another ‘press play and go’ brain break when your kiddos need it! Most videos are around 5 minutes on average.
If your upper elementary students are giving you the eye roll when you mention GoNoodle, it might be time to level up your brain breaks. When that happens, give these a try and see what they think!
