In the world of online learning, Zoom classrooms have become the new normal—but keeping students engaged and focused can be a challenge. That’s where brain breaks come in! These short, fun activities give students a mental reset, helping them refocus and return to learning with fresh energy.
Here’s a list of the best brain break activities tailored for Zoom classrooms, whether you're teaching kindergartners or high schoolers.
🧠 What Are Brain Breaks?
Brain breaks are short mental or physical activities that allow students to rest their minds between lessons or tasks. Studies show that frequent breaks can improve attention, retention, and overall classroom morale—especially in remote settings where screen fatigue is real.
🎮 1. Play a Quick Game on GuessDoodle
Category: Interactive, Creative, Educational
In this browser-based drawing and guessing game, students take turns sketching words while others guess what it is. It's a mix of fun, creativity, and critical thinking, perfect for breaking up a long Zoom session.
🟢 Why it works:
- Encourages creativity and vocabulary
- Works for all age groups
- No downloads required
- Easy to share via Zoom chat
🕺 2. GoNoodle Dance Breaks
Category: Physical Activity
GoNoodle offers quick, high-energy dance routines with kid-friendly music. Share your screen and let students move along for a few minutes to get the wiggles out.
🟢 Why it works:
- Gets kids moving
- Ideal for younger grades
- Boosts mood and engagement
🎭 3. Emoji Story Challenge
Category: Language Arts, Creative
Display a random string of emojis and ask students to come up with a story based on them. It's a quick and hilarious brain break that also sharpens storytelling skills.
🟢 Why it works:
- Sparks imagination
- Encourages quick thinking
- Great icebreaker
🎨 4. Scribble Doodle Time
Let students grab a piece of paper and spend 2–3 minutes doodling freely. Then, they can share their doodles on camera or in chat. Bonus points if the doodles relate to the lesson topic!
🟢 Why it works:
- Reduces stress
- Encourages creative expression
- Doesn’t require tech tools
🔍 5. Quick Scavenger Hunt
Give students 30 seconds to find something in their house that matches a category (e.g., something red, something soft, something they love). Then they show and tell.
🟢 Why it works:
- Energizes students
- Involves movement
- Builds personal connections
🤖 6. Would You Rather (Zoom Edition)
Ask fun, silly, or even educational “Would You Rather” questions in the chat. Students respond with emojis, text, or verbally.
🟢 Why it works:
- Easy to implement
- No prep required
- Great for community building
🧘 7. Mindful Breathing or Stretching
End or start your Zoom session with 2 minutes of simple guided breathing or stretching. You can lead it yourself or use short YouTube clips.
🟢 Why it works:
- Calms the nervous system
- Helps with focus and anxiety
- Inclusive for all ages
✨ Final Thoughts
Brain breaks aren't just fillers—they're powerful tools for keeping students alert, motivated, and ready to learn in remote classrooms. The key is to keep them short, varied, and fun.
Whether it’s a quick game on GuessDoodle, a scavenger hunt, or a dance-off, the right brain break can transform your virtual classroom experience.
