Testing season is mentally intense. These 2 to 5-minute brain breaks give students (and you!) a chance to refresh. Think of them as tiny resets that build endurance and joy.
🎶 Freeze Dance Friday (or any day)
Play a 30-second clip of an upbeat song. Students freeze when the music stops. Instant smiles, no prep needed.
🧘 Box Breathing
Guide students to breathe in for four counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold again for 4. Do 3–4 rounds together. This exercise is great after a practice test or before the real deal.
🐸 Animal Movements
Quickly call out: “Slither like a snake,” “Waddle like a penguin,” “Stretch like a cat.” Gets the wiggles out and boosts morale.
🗣️ Quick Share or Shout-Outs
Let students turn and tell a partner one thing they’re proud of from the day, or shout out to someone who helped them. This small social boost makes a big difference.
🎨 Creative Reset
Give each student a small square of paper and ask them to draw:
- What success feels like
- Their "testing superhero self"
- The funniest test question they can imagine
Tape the drawings up for a quick “motivation wall.”
🧍🏾 Stand If… Game
Say a statement like “Stand if you had cereal for breakfast” or “Stand if you’ve ever studied with a friend.” It’s lighthearted, movement-based, and helps students feel seen.
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