TAKE A BREAK FOR YOUR BRAIN: Corbett Prep

Take a Break for Your Brain

by Courtney Cairns Pastor, photo provided by Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

If you sit at a desk most of the day, you know that sometimes you have to get up and move.

You may think it’s an indulgence to step away, but these brief breaks come with a surprising benefits. You’re more productive when you return.

The same goes for your child.

We’ve spent a lot of time in front of computer screens recently, Zooming to lessons, clubs, meetings and activities that we used to attend in person. Even students who have returned to school on campus may work on computers more than they used to, as teachers connect them with classmates who stayed at home, take them on digital field trips or arrange virtual visits with guest speakers.

With so much sitting, it’s easy to start zoning out. Although it may seem counterintuitive, stepping away from your desk periodically can make you better in school or better in business.

Known in schools as “brain breaks,” these short opportunities for movement increase students’ time on task in the classroom. Brain breaks can improve comprehension and concentration, making it easier to focus when you return to your work.

So whether your child is learning at home or remotely—or whether you are zoned out from too many Microsoft Teams meetings— here are some ideas to get your blood flowing again and send more oxygen to your brain. AT SCHOOL:

Corbett Prep builds its curriculum around brainbased learning, and teachers draw from many strategies to engage students with different learning styles. In addition to hands-on lessons that encourage movement, teachers also incorporate brain breaks throughout the school day.

Exercises, games, dances and songs all provide the chance to stand up and move inside the classroom. Jumping jacks, jogging in place and mountain climbers require little room and perk up sleepy learners quickly. From their desks, students can join in the “wave,” jumping to their feet when the wave comes their way as they would in a stadium. “Silly Sports and Goofy Games,” part of Kagan Cooperative Learning, offers dozens of ideas for games involving balance, challenges or creativity that raise energy levels or calm a class. The “Silly Sports” games, which Corbett Prep teachers have used in classes and CAMP IDS for years, also build camaraderie in a class as everyone has fun together.

Music is also a great motivator. Florida Virtual School teachers shared in a blog post some of their favorite videos, especially for younger students. Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Jack Hartmann and Badanamu have YouTube channels with catchy songs that make for lively brain breaks, according to FVS. Popular songs such as the Macarena and Cha Cha Slide also work well by mixing music and easy dance moves. At Corbett Prep, middle school students love taking a dance break in Spanish class to Shakira’s “Waka Waka (Esto es Africa).” AT HOME:

A balanced remote learning schedule likely will have brain breaks scattered through the day. During periods when students work independently, parents may want to step in with their own ideas if they notice focus lagging.

Simple stretches or yoga poses such as downward dog, cat-cow or tree pose feel amazing after sitting for a long time. Items you already own can inspire more active breaks. A mini-trampoline, balance board, jump rope, hula hoop, bean bags or leftover birthday balloons are perfect places to start. Even playing a handheld game like “Bop It” can turn around energy levels in a short time.

The online resource GoNoodle, popular with educators, created “Good Energy at Home” in the spring. It’s a roundup of energizers and stress busters for families doing remote learning. Free videos and downloadable content are available on GoNoodle’s website and mobile apps.

Have time for a longer break? Play outside during recess or, if you’re at home, take a half hour for a bike ride or walk around the neighborhood, a game in the backyard or maybe even a splash in the pool. Research has shown that fidgeting increases before recess and decreases afterward. So leave your desk and your work behind for a little bit. It’s good for you!

We partner with AdventHealth, USF Health’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine and the Patel Conservatory. Students participate in show choir, drums and Little Kids Rock band. Student-led inquiry and goal setting, National Elementary Honor Society, 3-D printing, and Genius Hour are other elements creating a great learning experience. FERRELL GIRLS PREPARATORY ACADEMY (CAMBRIDGE CANDIDATE)

4302 24th St., Tampa 33610 813-276-5608; hillsboroughschools.org/ferrell

As a Cambridge International Magnet School, we are dedicated to developing confident, dynamic, educated young women. Our technology-rich, interactive learning campus—including our 1:1 iPad program—infuses 21st century technology skills into every student’s learning. Our rigorous Scholar Quest high school credit courses challenge our students in a variety of subjects. FRANKLIN BOYS PREPARATORY ACADEMY (CAMBRIDGE CANDIDATE)

3915 21st Ave., Tampa 33605 813-744-8108; hillsboroughschools.org/franklin

As a Cambridge International Magnet School, we are molding young men of distinction who will achieve greatness. We promote academic achievement, professionalism and self-confidence. Our young men prepare for college in a technology-rich environment with a robotics makerspace and Smart Boards and iPads available for every student. Free after-school Enrichment Academies including debate, golf and Model UN. THE FRENCH AMERICAN SCHOOL OF TAMPA BAY (FASTB)

2100 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33702 727-800-2159; fastb.org

FASTB offers a multicultural educational experience that is unique in this region. French is the language of instruction in all subjects, so children are immersed, learning the language in context and becoming bilingual naturally. Our school is in-person, with COVID-19 safety protocols in place, and we still have slots available for 2020-21 in our small, flexible environment. Contact us today - Merci! GRECO MIDDLE MAGNET (IB CANDIDATE)

6925 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 33617 813-987-6926; hillsboroughschools.org/greco

Our school-wide IB candidate program, guided by International Baccalaureate World School principles, launches in Temple Terrace in Fall 2020. Rigorous STEM and Pre-KAPS (King HS Advanced Placement Scholars) programs are offered, along with Scholar Quest high school credit courses including Engineering, Culinary and Computer Science. *Transportation provided for attendance-area only. HILLSBOROUGH VIRTUAL K-12

2704 N. Highland Ave., Tampa 33602 813-983-7278; hillsboroughschools.org/virtual

Hillsborough Virtual K-12 offers personalized learning in a structured, yet flexible environment. It is a school choice option in which students learn in a digital space using a web-based curriculum with highly-qualified teachers from Hillsborough County. Students can take part in athletics and extracurricular activities at their zoned school. HILLSDALE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

6201 Ehrlich Road, Tampa 33625 813-884-8250; hcatampa.org

Hillsdale provides a variety of activities and learning opportunities for our students. Our primary purpose is to help children grow spiritually, socially, physically, intellectually, and creatively in welcoming surroundings as a supplement to the home environment. Our staff will work hard to create a loving, Christian atmosphere for children's development. Enrollment: 260 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition FREE Enrollment: 583 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 530 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 40, Capacity is 80-90 Class-size: 15 Grades: Pre-K (age 3)-8 Tuition: $6,500-$13,500

Enrollment: 819 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 2,000 Class-size: n/a Grades: K-12

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 155 Class-size: 15 Grades: PreK2-grade 6 Tuition: $180/week (preschool) - $7,700

HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL

3712 W. El. Prado Blvd., Tampa 33629 813-839-0665; htlstampa.org

Holy Trinity Lutheran School is a co-educational school located in the heart of South Tampa. Founded in 1958, HTLS offers an enriching and rewarding academic education in a loving and safe Christian environment. Our mission is to provide Christ-centered academic excellence and care for the whole child that equips them for lifelong learning and service. IDEA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

5001 Nebraska Ave., Suite A, Tampa 33603 813-467-3004; ideapublicschools.org/regions/tampa-bay

IDEA believes a quality K-12 public education is the key to success in college and life and is committed to helping every student achieve their own success. Personalized learning, critical thinking skills, mastery of core subjects and continued support through college is IDEA’s recipe for success. IGNITE ACADEMY

1555 Windmill Pointe Road, Palm Harbor 34685 727-900-6164; igniteacademy.education

Ignite Academy is a growing, independent Christian School serving families from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties. Ignite Academy is enrolling kindergarten through fourth grade for the 2021-2022 school year. At Ignite Academy, your child will be immersed into a learning environment of real health: mental, physical and spiritual health. INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY

12902 E. U.S. Highway 92, Dover 33527 813-473-8600; iacademies.com

Independence Academy provides a tuition-free, well-rounded college preparatory education. The challenging and rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere, and a focus on character development preparing students for their secondary education and beyond. Offerings include the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, Edvantage before and after school program, Tampa Bay’s Grasses in Classes Program and Cognia accreditation. JCCS PRESCHOOL AND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

13009 Community Campus Drive, Tampa 33625 813-264-9000; jewishtampa.com

Located in Citrus Park and South Tampa, the JCCs provide a safe environment with low student-to-staff ratios. The preschools offer creative and meaningful activities, Club J Afterschool provides homework supervision and Club J School Day supervises virtual school. All programs deliver high-quality activities for infants through fifth grade. LAND O’ LAKES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

5105 School Road, Land O’ Lakes 34638 813-995-9040; lolcs.org

A Christ-honoring atmosphere for preschool through high school, LOLCS trains students to develop and grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically. We offer a fully accredited, balanced program that emphasizes spiritual life, challenging academics for college preparation and opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents in fine arts and athletics. LCC DAY SCHOOL

4400 Chancellor St. NE, St. Petersburg 33703 727-552-8331; lccdayschool.com

LCC Day School is a partnership of school, church and families, inspiring superior academic performance while instilling leadership, responsibility and values in a nurturing environment. Our mission is to meet the changing needs of our students as they develop their God-given potential from early childhood through adolescence. Enrollment: 191 Class-size: 16 Grades: PreK-grade 5

Tuition: $5,950 Enrollment: 1,000 Class-size: 18-25 Grades: K-2 & 6 upon launching in 2021. Each campus will add a grade each year until fully scaled to grades K-12. Tuition: FREE

Enrollment 35 Class-size: 9 Grades: K-4

Tuition: $500-$8,000 Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: Club J: 30-55 per location; JCC Preschool: 100-150 per location Class-size: Varies Grades: Infants-grade 5

Tuition: Varies Enrollment: 330 Class-size: 10-20 Grades: PreK3-12

Tuition: $5,000-$6,950 Enrollment: 532 Class-size: 8-17 Grades: PreK2-8 Tuition: Preschool $3,786-$5,549; Elementary-Middle $10,073-$11,910

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY MAGNET (IB)

1207 E. Renfro St., Plant City 33563 813-757-9329; lincoln.mysdhc.org

We prepare students to meet the challenges of world citizenship with confidence, imagination and integrity. Students can study global cultures and develop an open and curious mind. Students engage in music and arts programs, Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics Team, Inquiry-based learning centers, student action/service learning, world languages and more. LOCKHART ELEMENTARY MAGNET (CREATIVE SCIENCE CENTRE)

3719 N. 17th St., Tampa 33610 813-276-5727; lockhart.mysdhc.org

Students learn using the latest technology tools and programs. We provide STEM Education with PLTW (Project Lead the Way), where students engage in hands-on activities, projects and problems that are reflective of real-world challenges. Engage with robotics experiences, engineering challenges, outdoor learning and wildlife habitats. LOMAX ELEMENTARY MAGNET (GIFTED TALENT ACADEMY)

4207 26th St., Tampa 33610 813-276-5569; lomax.mysdhc.org

Students are active thinking and learning citizens, engaging their minds with Math Olympiad, TiViTz, Chess, Future Problem Solvers and Odyssey of the Mind. We embrace the arts with World Drumming, Violin and Little Kids Rock; build with LEGO and VEX Robotics and grow through Student Ambassadors and National Honor Society. MACFARLANE PARK ELEMENTARY MAGNET (IB)

1721 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa 33607 813-356-1760; macfarlanepark.mysdhc.org

As the #1 Elementary Magnet School in America, we prepare students to meet the challenges of world citizenship with confidence, imagination and integrity. Students study global cultures, engage in music and arts programs, Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics Team, inquiry-based learning centers, student action/service learning, world languages and more. MARSHALL MIDDLE MAGNET (IB CANDIDATE)

18 S. Maryland Ave., Plant City 33563 813-757-9360; hillsboroughschools.org/marshall

Launching with sixth grade in Fall 2020, students will be guided by the International Baccalaureate World School Philosophy in Plant City. Students can engage in STEM; Robotics; Culinary Arts; Math League and AVID college readiness. Optional Scholar Quest high school credit courses offer additional rigor. *Transportation provided for attendance-area only. MULLER ELEMENTARY MAGNET (VISUAL, PERFORMING, COMMUNICATION ARTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES)

13615 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33613 813-558-1355; muller.mysdhc.org

Students learn through Arts and Science Integration, where they experience weekly strings, dance, music and art classes. They engage in the orchestra and rock band, performance groups and our annual musical. Students can explore the outdoor classroom, global gardens, and take part in the National Honor Society and student government. NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

7777 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33709 727-541-7593; nck12.com

Named a Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education, Northside Christian School equips students to reach their God-given potential through outstanding academic and extra-curricular programs within a Christ-centered environment. NCS offers Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Honors and Praxis classes. Northside has been serving PreK3 -12th grade students in a safe, nurturing environment since 1971. Enrollment: 501 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 387 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 390 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 370 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 911 Class-size: 22 Grades: 6-8

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 439 Class-size: 18-22 Grades: K-5

Tuition: FREE Enrollment: 720 Class-size: 16 Grades: PreK3-12 Tuition: $7,350-$13,450