Include opportunities for mini-breaks during lessons, such as drawing, music, games, stretching, or going outside¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The brief recommends "incorporating short breaks like drawing, listening to music, playing games, stretching, or going outside during lessons," which it says makes it easier for students to learn and digest new information and allows space for creative ideas to develop. It notes breaks also reduce lesson length, which can increase focus and engagement once students return to learning, citing research on off-task behavior and short school breaks.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Breaks embedded within lessons rather than added as separate time

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• K-12 students, elementary through high school

Target Learning Goals¶

• Focus, engagement, and digestion of new information during lessons

Related Strategies¶

• Mini Classroom Exercise Breaks
• Movement Breaks
• Include Physical Activity
• Brain Breaks
• Brain-Based Learning with Movement Breaks
• Classroom Movement Breaks
• Playground Pickup Sports and Jam Sessions
• Music and Emotions

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Mosley, J., & Valdez, A. (2022). Learning from young people about how safe and supportive conditions at home can inform school climate. Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety at WestEd. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED621228