“We do not learn from experience … we learn from reflecting on experience.”
– John Dewey, American philosopher, psychologist, educational reformer
Transforming learning into understanding requires time for reflection. In our busy school days, it can feel challenging to build in breaks for reflection and integration. When we look at brain function, when we reach our capacity for information and overall sensory input, we can no longer take in new information.
Try these movemindfully Breathe Move Rest breaks to build in time for reflection:
Breath Connection
After morning meeting or circle time, invite students to give themselves a loose hug as they breathe slowly and sway or rock in their chairs. Eyes can be open or closed as they breathe slowly for 3-5 breaths. This easy calming strategy is why we rock babies to soothe them.
Chair Dog
After finishing an academic block, invite students to stand behind their desks. Rest hands on the back of a chair and walk feet back to stretch. Continue to breathe and notice what it feels like to stretch as you look down and away from everyone/everything around you.
Head on Desk
When students are coming back from lunch, dim the lights and remind everyone that resting forehead in their hands is a quick rest break we naturally use to reset when needed. Students can rest their head in their hands or rest their head on their desks. Encourage everyone to take 5-10 slow breaths before starting the next subject.
Try these out for quick reset and reflect breaks. Do these with your students so that you also experience the benefits.