10 Brain Break Activities for 4th and 5th Grade - Teaching with Jennifer Findley

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It’s 2:00. Your students are squirrelly, your lesson is derailed, and your usual brain break video gets eye rolls instead of engagement.

Or maybe it’s raining. And indoor recess is quickly becoming a behavior management disaster.

I think we’ve all been there. That’s why I pulled together 10 of my favorite brain break activities specifically for 4th and 5th graders.

Whether it’s a quick brain break, a positive reinforcement reward, or something to survive indoor recess, these are the activities I went back to again and again. They don’t require much prep, and once students know the expectations, they’re easy to run on autopilot.

1. Four Corners

One person closes their eyes and counts down while everyone else picks a corner. The caller chooses a number, and anyone in that corner is out. Keep playing until one student is left. This one takes a little longer and is perfect for inside recess or as a reward activity.

2. Heads Down, Thumbs Up

Yes, this one still works in upper elementary. Heads go down, a few thumbs get tapped, and students try to guess who picked them.

3. Minute to Win It Challenges

Set a timer and give your students quick challenges like stacking cups or tossing items into a bin. These are always a hit, especially if your class has a competitive streak.

4. Silent Ball

Students pass a soft ball around the room without talking. If someone talks, drops it, or throws it too wildly to catch, they sit down. The last student standing wins.

5. Would You Rather?

Ask a question, and students move to different parts of the room depending on their answer. If you want, give them a chance to explain their choice. Bonus: Add an academic spin to this, and you won’t lose any instructional time.

6. Silent Speed Ball

Same idea as Silent Ball but faster paced. And they can’t pass to someone next to them. It keeps them on their toes and still keeps things calm.

7. Paper Toss

Give students a scrap paper ball and a bin. They take turns trying to make baskets from different distances. It’s simple, but students love it—especially if you turn it into a quick challenge or competition.

8. Charades

You give the theme (like animals or school-related objects), and they act it out while the class guesses. No talking allowed, and that’s part of the fun.

9. Stand Up, Sit Down

You read a statement. If they agree, they stand. If they disagree, they sit. They can share their thinking if you want, but even if they don’t, it gets them moving and thinking. Depending on your time, you can do a few statements or more.

10. Speed Riddles

Small groups work together to solve a riddle. If no one gets it, you give a hint, then another one if needed. The first group to get it right wins. It’s one of those activities that quietly builds teamwork without forcing it.