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Mini Break

Lesson Plan

Mini Break Routine Plan

Guide a 3rd grader through a 10-minute individualized break routine using movement and breathing exercises to help them self-regulate and return to learning calm and ready.

Short, structured breaks reduce overwhelm, teach coping skills, and support emotional regulation for Tier 3 students, leading to better engagement and reduced behavior incidents.

Audience

3rd Grade Student

Time

10 minutes

Approach

One-on-one guided movement and breathing.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Break Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Welcome & Explain

1 minute

  • Greet the student calmly.
  • Say: “I noticed you’re feeling overwhelmed. Let’s do a quick break to help you feel better.”
  • Show the first slide from the Break Steps Slides.

Step 2

Guided Movement Phase 1

3 minutes

  • Direct the student through 2 simple stretches or marching in place using the Guided Movement Sequence.
  • Encourage big, slow movements: “Reach up high, then bend to touch your toes.”
  • Provide positive reinforcement: “Great job stretching, you’re doing awesome!”

Step 3

Breathing Exercise

3 minutes

  • Explain belly breathing: “Place hands on your belly, breathe in slowly for 4 seconds, then breathe out for 4.”
  • Lead 5 rounds, using a slide from Break Steps Slides showing inhale/exhale.
  • Use calm, even pacing and model deep breaths yourself.

Step 4

Guided Movement Phase 2

2 minutes

  • Transition to 2 more movements (e.g., side reaches, shoulder rolls) using Guided Movement Sequence.
  • Keep tone encouraging: “Feel how your body loosens up?”
  • Finish with a gentle shake-out of arms and legs.

Step 5

Reflection & Re-entry

1 minute

  • Hand the student the Break Reflection Sheet.
  • Ask: “How do you feel now? Circle a face and write one word.”
  • Praise their effort and guide them back to their seat: “Awesome work. Let’s head back and continue learning.”
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Slide Deck

Mini Break Routine

• 10-minute one-on-one break
• Simple stretches and movements
• Guided belly breathing
• Quick reflection to check-in

Welcome the student and briefly explain the purpose of this mini break. Script: “We’re going to do a quick, fun routine to help you calm your body and mind so you can feel ready to learn.”

Movement Phase 1

  1. Reach Up High – Stand tall, reach both arms overhead, stretch your fingertips toward the ceiling.
  2. March in Place – Lift knees high, swing arms gently—count to 10 together.

Lead the student through two simple movements slowly and with big range of motion. Offer praise for participation.

Belly Breathing Exercise

• Place hands on your belly.
• Inhale slowly for 4 seconds (feel your belly expand).
• Exhale slowly for 4 seconds (feel your belly deflate).
• Repeat 5 times.

Model belly breathing along with the student. Use a calm, even tone and count out loud.

Movement Phase 2

  1. Side Reaches – Stand with feet shoulder-width, reach right arm overhead and lean left, then switch sides (5 each).
  2. Shoulder Rolls – Roll shoulders forward 5 times, then backward 5 times.

Finish with a gentle full-body shake.

Guide two more movements focusing on loosening the body. Encourage the student to notice how their muscles feel.

Quick Reflection

• How do you feel now?
○ 😃 Great ○ 🙂 Okay ○ 😐 Still Tense
• Write or say one word to describe how you feel.

Hand the student the reflection sheet or ask verbally. Support them in circling or writing if needed.

Great Job! Ready to Learn?

You’ve done an awesome job taking a break!
Let’s head back feeling calm and ready to learn.

Praise the student’s effort and transition back to class activity. Use positive, upbeat tone.

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Activity

Guided Movement Sequence Cards

Use these printable cards or display them on a device to guide the student through each movement. Each card has a title, brief instructions, and teacher notes.

Card 1: Reach Up High

Description: Stand tall with feet hip-width apart. Inhale and slowly lift both arms straight overhead, reaching your fingertips toward the ceiling. Hold for 3 seconds, then exhale and lower arms.

Teacher Notes: Encourage the student to stretch as high as they can. Model the movement and praise their effort.







Card 2: March in Place

Description: Lift one knee up to hip height, then alternate with the other knee. Swing arms naturally as you march. Count to 10 together.

Teacher Notes: Emphasize big, deliberate movements. Count out loud and offer enthusiastic feedback.







Card 3: Side Reaches

Description: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Reach your right arm overhead and lean gently to the left, feeling a stretch along your right side. Return to center and repeat on the other side. Do 5 reaches per side.

Teacher Notes: Remind the student to keep hips facing forward. Encourage smooth, controlled reaches.







Card 4: Shoulder Rolls

Description: Lift both shoulders up toward the ears, roll them back and down in a smooth circle 5 times. Then reverse: roll forward 5 times.

Teacher Notes: Guide slowly so the student can feel the release of tension. Offer reminders for posture.







Card 5: Shake-Out

Description: Stand relaxed and shake out arms and legs gently for 10 seconds, letting tension fall away.

Teacher Notes: Encourage the student to notice how their body feels lighter. Keep it playful and fun.







Feel free to print each card on a separate sheet or project them in sequence. Use these prompts to keep the break routine engaging and supportive. Enjoy helping your student self-regulate and return to learning feeling calm and ready!

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Worksheet

Break Reflection Sheet

Name: ____________________ Date: ________________

  1. How do you feel now? Circle one:😃 Great 🙂 Okay 😐 Still Tense



  1. Write one word to describe how you feel after your mini break:






  1. Draw a quick picture or symbol that shows how you feel:











Great job taking a break! Remember you can use these strategies anytime you need to feel calm and ready to learn.

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