You may not be aware, but brain breaks can improve learning. It only takes 10 minutes of the same action to deplete the neurotransmitters required for memory formation. The maximum amount of time to work without taking a brain rest is 25 minutes, though this can increase depending on the individual's age.
Brain breaks allow the chemicals in our brains to replenish!
Depending on the age of the child here are some great ways to give a brain break:
Jumping
Changing the activity
Meditating
Mindfulness
Simon Says
For teens, no more than 25 minutes of work before taking a break is recommended, in order to maximize on brain capacity and memory.
Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro Method?
I encourage my high school and college age clients to use this as a way to maximize productivity and memory of new content while studying. Here is the break down!
Work for 25 minutes (the length of one pomodoro), break for 5 minutes, work for 25 minutes, break for 5 minutes, do this 2 more times and when you have completed a cycle of 4 pomodoros, you take a 25-30 minute break before returning to the this cycle again.
Why the silly name you might ask - Francesco Cirillo developed this method in the late 1980's to help students be more productive using a tomato kitchen timer.
In my experience, it can work for all students, but especially ones with ADHD because it breaks down work sessions into smaller chunks, it's very structured and can prevent hyper-focus on tasks.
Tons and tons of research points to the fact that movement increases brain activity. If we are talking brain breaks that include movement in school, movement before your child begins their homework in the afternoon, or movement before school to help your child have a more productive morning at school - movement and brain breaks work!
Do you want to incorporate more brain breaks and movement into your child's routine, but not sure how? Reach out - I am always happy to help!
Comentários