Is your child having trouble getting through their homework? It’s not uncommon, and most children struggle with homework every now and again. Kids who think and learn differently might find homework more challenging than most. Frustration and overwhelm can dominate, leading to upset parents, angry words and the homework not getting done. A brain break can help.
Brain breaks can really help young people by allowing them to reset. (1) Leaving the homework for a few minutes of physical activity can assist with refocusing, reducing frustration and increasing concentration.
A quick brain break reduces stress, anxiety, and frustration for the child, but also for the parent.
A tool to help with self-regulation and identifying early on when they’re getting fed up or losing track of what they’re doing, brain breaks are particularly helpful for kids who struggle with executive function.
The key is to take a break before they reach a high level of frustration or completely lose focus. If you’re looking for a guide, Primary school children might be able to work for 10 to 15 minutes before they need a brain break, and for secondary students, 20 to 30 minutes is suggested.
What is an example of a brain break? Any quick activity that gives the child a change of focus.
Stretching
Jumping Jacks
Snow angels on the floor
A quick game of Simon Says
Rainbow breathing
Mindful colouring in
A dance party/silent disco
Once the brain break is over, it takes a minute or two to get back into the homework, but with more oxygen in the body and brain, and a new mindset, frustration is lowered and success is more likely. What’s a brain break? Something that can help your child deal with frustration and upset before it occurs.
(1) https://www.understood.org/en/articles/evidence-based-behavior-strategy-brain-breaks
