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#115: Brain breaks are my secret sauce for student engagement. Here are my 3 I can't live without!

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Manage episode 472026720 series 3396568
Content provided by Claire English. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Claire English or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

Check out my Brain Break Bundle!

As a secondary English teacher, I used to struggle with the idea of brain breaks. The pressure to get through content and prepare students for exams felt too overwhelming to justify stopping for “games.”

But my classroom culture was suffering. Students were stressed, disengaged, and burnt out—especially during heavy writing sessions leading up to exams. So I decided to try something different.

When I started embedding brain breaks into my lessons, I immediately saw positive shifts.

  • Students focused better and produced stronger writing.
  • Transitions became smoother because I could use movement-based games instead of battling student resistance.
  • Apathy decreased, and energy in the room improved.
  • Rapport and community strengthened as brain breaks became a consistent, positive routine.

The result? Better engagement, improved learning, and a classroom that felt lighter, happier, and more productive.

Listen in as I discuss:

  • Why brain breaks matter in secondary classrooms. Overcoming the pressure to “just keep going.”
  • Three types of brain breaks you can use today. Upregulation, downregulation, and movement-based games.
  • How brain breaks improve engagement, learning, and classroom culture. Small shifts that make a big impact.

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

JOIN MY FREE LIVE TRAINING: TURN YOUR TEACHING INTO A CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT MACHINE

RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT:

Connect with me:

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)

2. The Impact of Brain Breaks on Student Engagement (00:19:00)

3. Practical Tips for Implementing Brain Breaks (00:34:00)

127 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 472026720 series 3396568
Content provided by Claire English. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Claire English or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

Check out my Brain Break Bundle!

As a secondary English teacher, I used to struggle with the idea of brain breaks. The pressure to get through content and prepare students for exams felt too overwhelming to justify stopping for “games.”

But my classroom culture was suffering. Students were stressed, disengaged, and burnt out—especially during heavy writing sessions leading up to exams. So I decided to try something different.

When I started embedding brain breaks into my lessons, I immediately saw positive shifts.

  • Students focused better and produced stronger writing.
  • Transitions became smoother because I could use movement-based games instead of battling student resistance.
  • Apathy decreased, and energy in the room improved.
  • Rapport and community strengthened as brain breaks became a consistent, positive routine.

The result? Better engagement, improved learning, and a classroom that felt lighter, happier, and more productive.

Listen in as I discuss:

  • Why brain breaks matter in secondary classrooms. Overcoming the pressure to “just keep going.”
  • Three types of brain breaks you can use today. Upregulation, downregulation, and movement-based games.
  • How brain breaks improve engagement, learning, and classroom culture. Small shifts that make a big impact.

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

JOIN MY FREE LIVE TRAINING: TURN YOUR TEACHING INTO A CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT MACHINE

RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT:

Connect with me:

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)

2. The Impact of Brain Breaks on Student Engagement (00:19:00)

3. Practical Tips for Implementing Brain Breaks (00:34:00)

127 episodes

All episodes

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