Why Do We Need Breaks?

This engaging lesson is designed for kindergarten students to explore why taking breaks can be very helpful. During our 20-minute session, we will learn about breaks through fun visuals, interactive movement, and gentle reflection. Below you will find all the key components of our lesson along with clear guidelines!

Lesson Overview

• Objective: Learn how breaks help recharge our brains so we can focus, play, and learn better.
• Audience: Kindergarten Class
• Session Length: 20 minutes
• MTSS Tier: Tier 1 (Classroom)

Lesson Components and Materials

1. Breaks and Brain Power Lesson Plan

   • Explore how taking breaks recharges our brains. For the full details, refer to Breaks and Brain Power Lesson Plan.

2. Why Breaks Matter Slides

   • Fun, colorful slides that explain why breaks are important. Check out the slides at Why Breaks Matter Slides.

3. Stretch and Move Activity

   • A playful activity that shows how stretching and movement are a fun part of taking a break. See details in the activity section for Stretch and Move Activity.

4. Reflection on Breaks Cool Down

   • A gentle cool down where students share how they feel after their break. This will help reinforce the idea of rejuvenation through short breaks.

Detailed Activity: Stretch and Move Activity

Purpose:

This activity will allow students to physically experience the benefits of a break. They will perform simple stretching and movement exercises, which will help them feel more awake and energized.

How To Do The Activity:

• Step 1: Gather students in an open space where everyone can move comfortably.
• Step 2: Explain that just like our batteries need to be recharged, our bodies do too!
• Step 3: Lead the students through several simple stretching exercises: reach up high, stretch to the sides, wiggle your fingers, and shake out your arms and legs.
• Step 4: Encourage everyone to have fun and participate by mimicking the movements.

Points for Discussion:

• How do you feel before and after the stretching?
• Can you share a movement that makes you feel really happy and awake?
• Why do you think moving our bodies might help us during learning time?

Additional Lesson Components

Slide Presentation: Why Breaks Matter Slides

• Slide 1 – "Why Do We Need Breaks?": Introduce the idea that breaks give our brains a rest.
• Slide 2 – "Recharge Time!": Show students that breaks help recharge their brain like a battery.
• Slide 3 – "What Do You Do on a Break?": Engage in a discussion about different fun break activities such as drawing, playing, and stretching.
• Slide 4 – "Feeling Refreshed!": Review post-break feelings so everyone can understand the positive effect of breaks.

Cool Down and Reflection

• Discussion Circle: Gather everyone in a circle after the activity. Ask simple questions like:

  • "Did you feel more awake after stretching?"
  • "What was your favorite stretch?"

• Reflection: Use the Reflection on Breaks Cool Down guidelines to help each child share one thing they noticed about how taking a break made them feel.

Remember, the goal of today’s lesson is to have fun, move our bodies, and learn how a little break can make a big difference! Enjoy your stretch and have a great time recharging your brain!

Teacher Tip: Keep the atmosphere light and playful, ensuring every child is included and feels comfortable sharing their thoughts!

Reflection on Breaks Cool Down

After the interactive activities, gather the students into a small circle. This cool down session is a moment to share how their bodies and minds felt before and after the break.

Steps for the Cool Down:

1. Settle In: Have the students sit in a comfortable circle. Encourage them to take a few deep breaths to relax their bodies.
   
   
   

2. Prompt Sharing: Ask each student simple questions such as:

   • "How did you feel before we started stretching?"
   • "What different feelings do you notice now after moving our bodies?"
   • "Can you tell me one thing that made you smile during our break?"

   Allow each child a moment to answer, ensuring every voice is heard and celebrated.
   
   
   

3. Visual Reflection: You might display a visual cue (like a happy face or relaxed face chart) and ask students to point to the face that best represents how they feel.
   
   
   

4. Teacher's Role: Summarize the discussion by reinforcing that taking breaks helps our brains and bodies feel recharged and ready for learning. Use simple language and positive affirmations, such as "Great job recharging your battery!".
   
   
   

Reflection Questions:

• How does your body feel after your stretch?
  
• What did you enjoy most about our break time?
  
• Why do you think taking breaks is important for us?
  
  
  

Encourage a warm, positive atmosphere and validate each child's feelings. This reflective time helps reinforce the concept that taking breaks is a valuable part of learning and fun!