10 Brain Breaks for Kids During Online Learning

Students and parents can attest to the difficulties that come with virtual learning. Days are spent in front of the screen. Microphone issues and computer crashes are the norm. You feel frazzled while your child is frustrated and unhappy. That’s where brain breaks come in. Taking a timeout during remote learning can and will help your little learner—and you—stay creative, alert, and focused. Schedule brain breaks throughout the day or bust one out spontaneously if it looks like your child needs a breather.

The ideas below will help you up your brain break game during virtual learning. Don’t worry; space won’t be an issue. You can do these brain breaks whether you’re in a house in the suburbs or cramped city digs.

Get Grooving

Crank up some tunes and host a dance party. It’s a great way to get out the wiggles. Make it extra silly by stopping the music for a round of freeze dance.

Hold an Exercise Class

Release your inner Richard Simmons by holding a gym class. Go for simple, old-school exercises. That means having kids do jumping jacks, toe touches, push-ups and sit-ups. Here are some of our favorite online exercise videos for kids for inspiration. 

Set Up a Scavenger Hunt

Kids can search for household items based on a theme. Ask them to grab something that starts with the letter “B.” Then round up an object that’s “red.” It’s an educational way to take a break.

Act Like an Animal

Kids will giggle as they pretend that they’re an animal. Start loud by having them jump like a frog, gallop like a horse, or slither like a snake. Finish with quieter motions to get them back into school mode with actions like kiss like a fish.