Like Brain Breaks? Try a Poem Pause

Teachers know ALL brains need a brain break, often defined as a short mental break or planned learning activity that is taken during classroom instruction.  

Backed up by science, when students’ brains become anxious, confused, or overwhelmed, new learning can no longer occur.  Brain breaks restore the emotional state needed to return the amygdala from overdrive into an optimal state for successful learning to occur once again.    

Brain breaks can…

• Increase creativity
• Improve mood and motivation 
• Restore energy and support learning
• Reduce boredom, stress, anxiety 
• Help kids focus and be more productive

Clearly brain breaks are not a waste of ALT (academic learning time).  However, why not leverage a mini-lesson into your next brain break and have a Poem Pause?  

By projecting a short poem, such as "Dreams" by Langston Hughes, students can have a silent reflection period where they read and ponder the poem.  After five minutes, students can share their noticings and wonderings - if they choose.  

Poem Pauses are "Power Brain Breaks."  They build community, reenergize the room, and allow the students to share moments of the soul through verse. 

Next time your students need a Brain Break, do a Poem Pause instead.  Along with April being Poetry Month, you may just inspire a poet or two!    

For more Poem Pause Inspo, click HERE