Brain Breaks Handout
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Contents |
Student friendly Learning Objectives
By the end of this session:
- You should know the meaning of the phrase 'brain based exercises'
- You should be able to use two brain based exercises
- You could understand why brain exercises are used in primary classrooms
After the class
- You might start to explore the subject in more detail via the additional learning materials.
Background
Often introduced as in conjunction with Accelerated Learning and other 'brain-based' approaches to teaching 'brain breaks' or other similar techniques are being promoted in many primary schools in the UK. It is something that teaching assistants are likely to encounter at some point in their careers. This is a very short and basic introduction to the subject.
The science?
Many controversial scientific claims are made for some of these techniques. For example exercises like cross crawl, which get children to 'cross the midline' are said to help the brain to use its full capacity and to integrate both sides of the brain's functions. Some of the claims have been strongly criticised by both educators and neuroscientists. Large amounts of time and money are being invested in training staff to use these methods.
However even those who disagree with the validity of the research behind the approach usually concede that encouraging water and movement are likely to do no harm and may actually help pupils to learn.
You can explore the issues in more depth via the additional learning materials:
Water
You will find water bottles in many primary school classrooms. They have been introduced both as a response to ideas of brain based learning and as part of NHS Healthy Schools initiatives. There is also quite a lot of evidence that dyslexic pupils and those on medication for ADHD need more regular access to water.
In most schools using the approach staff are also encouraged to have their own water bottles and to act as role models for the children.
The use of bottles can raise various issues for teaching assistants. These include:
- Hygiene, in most schools bottles are washed and re-filled with tap water.
- Behaviour issues
- Distraction
- Mess
Classroom practices and policies for the use of water bottles need to be established. This is often part of a teaching assistant's responsibilities.
Movement
There are a variety of exercises that are recommended for brain breaks. They usually involve some element of doing two things at once. The theory is that this forces the brain to function at a higher level. Some of them also use techniques supposed to stimulate accupressure points.
They do undoubtedly enhance both gross and fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Skills that are undeniably useful for primary school children.
In some classrooms teachers use more general movements, possibly combined with music to achieve broadly similar results.
The Exercises
Here are two of the ones you learned in today's session. I've included some extension activities that you can use once children have mastered the basics.
Lazy 8s
Can you write trace a figure “8” shape on its side in the air with:
- Just a finger?
- Your whole arm?
- And the other one? (arm)
- Your left elbow?
- Right elbow?
- Your toes? (left and right)
- Your shoulder? (left and right)
- Around your eyes and nose as if drawing spectacles / mask?
- Both hands clasped together? (palm to palm)
Extension
Can you draw two 8’s at the same time on different pieces of paper?
- Small?
- Large?
- Huge?
Cross crawl
- Marching slowly on the spot with knees lifting high.
- Change the arm action so that right hand comes across and taps left knee as it lifts high
- Now with the left hand to right knee,
- Keep going
- Now use your elbows
- Try and look straight ahead
Extension
- Keep head still but look left, right, up and down in sequence
Music
Some teachers also use music as part of the Accelerated Learning approach. Usually this is classical music, most often Mozart. It is believed that quietly playing music that has a beat rate of between 60 and 70 beats per minute helps the brain to retain information. It is often used at two points during the lesson
- The introduction of new material
and again for
- The review of material at the end of a lesson.
Students are encouraged to listen to the same music when revising information for tests.
Review Your Learning
Rate your understanding from 1 - 4
- 1= I do not understand or know this
- 4= I am fully confident with this.
| Learning outcome | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| I know the meaning of the phrase 'brain based exercises' |
| ||||
| I am able to use two brain based exercises | |||||
| I understand why brain exercises are used in primary classrooms |
|
| Further Learning outcome | Yes | No | ||
| I intend to explore the subject in more detail via the additional learning materials. |
