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Brain Break Bonanza

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Lesson Plan

Brain Boost Break Lesson Plan

Students will practice quick movement and mindfulness techniques to re-energize and refocus during the school day, building self-regulation skills for sustained attention and engagement.

Short brain breaks help 1st graders release excess energy, reduce restlessness, and improve focus. By learning simple movement and mindfulness strategies, students gain tools to manage their attention and emotions throughout the day.

Audience

1st Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Guided movement and mindfulness exercises using activity cards and visuals.

Materials

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

3 minutes

  • Invite students to form a circle in open floor space
  • Explain: “We’re going to learn fun exercises to help our brains and bodies feel ready to learn!”
  • Lead a simple breathing exercise: inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts (repeat 3 times)

Step 2

Active Break Activities

9 minutes

  • Shuffle Brain Boost Break Activity Cards and reveal the first card
  • Demonstrate the movement (e.g., star jumps, marching in place) using Movement and Mindfulness Visuals
  • Set timer for 30 seconds; students perform the movement together
  • Draw a mindfulness card, model the technique (e.g., mountain pose, hand heart breathing)
  • Set timer for 30 seconds; students follow along with eyes closed
  • Continue alternating movement and mindfulness cards for a total of 4–6 exercises, adjusting time as needed

Step 3

Cool-Down & Reflection

3 minutes

  • Gather students back into the circle
  • Ask: “How do you feel after our brain break? What was your favorite move?”
  • Highlight that these strategies can be used anytime they need a quick recharge
  • Encourage students to choose one movement or breathing technique when they feel distracted
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Slide Deck

Brain Boost Break

A 15-minute brain break session
for 1st graders to re-energize and refocus

Tier 1 Classroom Support

Introduce the session with enthusiasm. Explain that today’s break will help students feel energized and ready to learn.

Objectives

• Practice quick movement exercises to release energy
• Learn simple breathing and mindfulness techniques
• Build self-regulation skills for focus and engagement

Read the objectives aloud. Reinforce that these skills help them throughout the day.

Warm-Up: Breathing Exercise

  1. Form a circle on the floor
  2. Inhale for 4 counts (hands on belly)
  3. Exhale for 4 counts
  4. Repeat 3 times

Model the breathing exercise slowly, counting clearly. Invite students to put hands on belly and feel the breath.

Active Break: Movement Cards

• Shuffle the Movement Cards
• Reveal 1 card at a time
• Demonstrate the move (30 seconds)
• Students follow along

Show a few sample movement cards (e.g., star jumps, marching). Encourage students to watch for your demonstration.

Active Break: Mindfulness Cards

• Shuffle the Mindfulness Cards
• Reveal 1 card (e.g., Mountain Pose, Hand-Heart Breathing)
• Model and guide for 30 seconds
• Students follow with eyes closed

Model each mindfulness pose. Help students close their eyes and focus on their breathing.

Cool-Down & Reflection

• Gather back in a circle
• Ask:
– “How do you feel now?”
– “Which move was your favorite?”
• Remind: Use these anytime you need a quick recharge

Guide a brief class discussion. Prompt shy students by naming examples of moves or poses.

Closing: Keep the Energy Up!

• Choose 1 favorite move or breath to practice daily
• Brain breaks help you focus and feel great!

Great job today, everyone!

Encourage students to practice one technique tomorrow. Thank them for their participation.

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Activity

Brain Boost Break Activity Cards

These printable cards include simple movement and mindfulness exercises. Show each card, guide students for 30 seconds, and refer to the corresponding visual on Movement and Mindfulness Visuals.

Movement Cards (Duration: 30 seconds each)

  1. Star Jumps

    • Stand with feet together and arms at sides.
    • Jump up, spreading arms and legs wide like a star.
    • Land softly with feet together and arms at sides.


  2. Marching in Place

    • Stand tall with arms at sides.
    • Lift right knee up to hip level, swing left arm forward.
    • Switch legs and arms, marching quickly in place.


  3. Arm Circles

    • Extend arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height.
    • Make small forward circles with both arms for 15 seconds.
    • Reverse and make small backward circles for 15 seconds.


  4. High Knees

    • Stand tall and lift right knee up toward chest.
    • Lower and lift left knee. Continue quickly, pumping arms.
    • Keep back straight and land softly each time.


Mindfulness Cards (Duration: 30 seconds each)

  1. Mountain Pose

    • Stand tall with feet together, arms at sides.
    • Reach arms overhead, palms touching.
    • Breathe slowly and feel strong like a mountain.


  2. Hand-Heart Breathing

    • Place one hand on heart, one on belly.
    • Inhale slowly through nose, feel belly rise.
    • Exhale slowly through mouth, feel belly fall.


  3. Rainbow Breaths

    • Inhale and imagine drawing a rainbow arc over head.
    • Exhale and imagine rainbow sliding down in front.
    • Repeat, picturing bright colors.


  4. Shoulder Shrugs

    • Sit or stand tall.
    • Lift both shoulders up toward ears.
    • Exhale and drop shoulders down. Repeat slowly.


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Activity

Movement and Mindfulness Visuals

Use these kid-friendly icons and labels alongside each Brain Boost Break Activity Card to guide students through every exercise.

Movement Card Visuals

• Star Jumps
Icon: Simple stick figure mid-jump with arms & legs spread like a star.

• Marching in Place
Icon: Two alternating boot prints or a stick figure lifting one knee, arrows showing marching motion.

• Arm Circles
Icon: Figure standing with arms extended, curved arrows around each hand indicating circular motion.

• High Knees
Icon: Figure lifting knee up to chest with a bold arrow pointing upward.

Mindfulness Card Visuals

• Mountain Pose
Icon: Upright figure with arms reaching overhead in a peak shape, small mountain silhouette behind.

• Hand-Heart Breathing
Icon: Hand over heart and hand on belly, inhale arrow pointing in, exhale arrow pointing out.

• Rainbow Breaths
Icon: Gentle rainbow arc above a calm face or figure, arrows tracing the rainbow path.

• Shoulder Shrugs
Icon: Shoulders with up-and-down arrows showing lift and release motion.

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Brain Break Bonanza • Lenny Learning