Primary school teachers, like occupational therapists for
kids with special needs, have a toolbox of activities to give students breaks
from sit-down learning. Now that the pandemic has so many kids at home for
online learning, parents can use the same exercises to give their kids a break
that will enable them to get back to work refreshed.
If your child has attention issues or special needs, their
occupational therapist will probably provide specific exercises to help them get
through a day of remote learning without being overwhelmed or melting down.
Kids of all kinds benefit from similar measures if they're staring at computer
screens much of the day. Research has shown that such exercises improve
concentration and may also help with math processing, language skills, and
memory. The OT Toolbox (website suggests three different categories
of “brain breaks” to help kids shift gears).
Physical breaks get the entire body in motion. Fast
cardiovascular activity increases breathing rate and the oxygen level in the
bloodstream. Heightened oxygen levels contribute to improving concentration and
enable a child to focus on learning. If a run around the yard isn't available,
try simple calisthenics—jumping jacks, running in place, dancing, marching in
place to music or a hand-clapping rhythm.
Breathing breaks include deep breathing and
visualization, which bring relaxation and a renewed ability to ground and
focus. Combine deep breathing with stretching, raising the arms, shaking out the
hands, and/or rolling the head in a circle. For visualization, the OT Toolboxwebsite includes short mindfulness videos that kids
can listen to (with eyes closed, if they need a screen break to help them get
calm and relaxed.
Mental breaks shift the attention from a concentrated
task to an activity that's fun and relaxing, such as playing a game, answering
trivia questions, telling jokes.
Keep in mind that adults need brain breaks too. If you're
working at home, try some of these exercises yourself. You might want to
arrange your schedule so you and your child can take breaks together.