The SEL Blog is starting a new series. Every Wednesday we will be posting a new “brain break” for educators to use.  Brain breaks are quick and easy activities to re-energize students! They often involve honing memory, listening, and/or attention skills that students need to be active learners.

Second Step (the resource AISD has adopted for PK- 8th grade explicit instruction of SEL skills) incorporates this idea with Brain Builders included in their curriculum.

Short physical activities also increases oxygen to the brain which gets students ready to learn.

Source: Austin ISD PE and Health Department

Now, without further ado, our first brain break, Ear and Nose Switch.  This is a quick and easy one that requires the two hemispheres of the brain to work together (an essential part of brain development).

Steps:

1.  Stand up.
2.  Take your right hand and grab your left ear.  Keep your right arm close to your body.
3.  Now take your left hand and touch your nose.
4.  Uncross your arms and move your left hand to your right ear and your right hand to your nose.  Your left arm should now be closest to your body.
5.  Switch back and forth as fast as you can.

What are some of your favorite brain breaks? What did you think of this one?