Take a Break

Skill Descriptions: When students are working hard, taking breaks can help their creativity peak. This strategy should not be abused; however, when it is used correctly, it can benefit student success.

Procedures: “Decide to take a break When things are fading and the ideas are running out, or just when it seems like a good idea, decide to take a break. If you are running the creative session, you can ask people, 'Would you like a break?' Watch their reactions when you ask this -- their body language will tell you whether they are ready or not for a break. Even when you are working alone, you can still take a break! Change your environment In taking the break, go outside the room. Stretch and move the body. Go for a walk. Go outside. Breathe deeply of some fresh air. Seek other stimulation Also look for ways to find other stimulation. Talk to people at the coffee machine. Go outside and smell the roses. Open the senses and look deeply into everything you see. You can muse about the creative problem and you can also forget it and let the subconscious mind work on it. Do something to distract the subconscious, such as phoning someone or taking on a simple task” (2012, Take a break).

Lesson Activities: I want this strategy to be a procedure and routine in my classroom. I know that after I take a break for myself, I have more motivation and energy in the task I am doing. Students get burnt out quickly. By allowing them to take breaks when necessary, teachers trust the students. They will learn responsibility as well as get a reward for working hard.

Reference 2012. Take a break. Creatingminds.org. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from             http://creatingminds.org/tools/take_break.htm.