I just read an interesting article by Judy Willis (M.D.) on the Edutopia website which affirms something I have written about in my book: the value of giving periodic “brain breaks” to help students refocus their attention when they are fading out. The article cites brain research about the role of the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex in moving new information into memory.
Here is a short quote: “Brain breaks are planned learning activity shifts that mobilize different networks of the brain. These shifts allow those regions that are blocked by stress or high-intensity work to revitalize. Brain breaks, by switching activity to different brain networks, allow the resting pathways to restore their calm focus and foster optimal mood, attention, and memory.”
Good stuff!
Here is the link: https://www.edutopia.org/article/brain-breaks-restore-student-focus-judy-willis
