Brain Break Timer
Five minutes of movement, then “Back to seats.”
Activity
Time
Station rotations
4 × 5 minutes, 60s to switch · 5 minutes total
Press Show to class for the board or projector. The disc shrinks and turns yellow, then red. Space starts and pauses. The screen stays awake while the timer runs.
Time's up!
Great work, everyone.
Why use a brain break timer
A brain break needs a clear end, or it becomes the rest of the afternoon. Put five minutes on the board, play a movement song or game, and let the timer call everyone back. The end screen says “Back to seats.”
How to run it
- Press the Brain break button (5 minutes) or pick another length.
- Start the timer, then switch to your music or video tab. The timer keeps time in the background and chimes at the end.
- When the chime plays, students return to their seats.
Tips
- For exercise intervals, turn on Station rotations: for example 6 rounds of 45 seconds with 15 second switches.
- Ask a student helper to press Start; the big button is easy to hit.
- Keep sound on so the end chime reaches students who aren't looking at the board.
Questions teachers ask
How long should a brain break be?
Many are 2 to 5 minutes. This page starts at 5 minutes; tap the 2 or 3 minute chips for shorter breaks.
Can I play music while the timer runs?
Yes. Start the timer, then play music from another tab or app. The timer stays accurate in the background and plays its chime at the end.
Can I set up exercise intervals?
Turn on Station rotations. Each station is one exercise, and the switch time is the rest between them.