The Power of Brain Breaks

The effects of brain breaks have been extensively researched. Here we give you an overview of how the Famli Platform can actively enhance student wellbeing and readiness to learn, based on the science.

Teacher feedback after completing a Famli Brain Break:

What are brain breaks?

Brain breaks are short, energising or calming activities strategically integrated into the school day to boost student focus, engagement, and overall wellbeing. These brief interludes provide a valuable opportunity for students to recharge their mental batteries, refocus their attention, and enhance their readiness to learn.

The Science Behind Brain Breaks

Research consistently demonstrates the profound impact of brain breaks on cognitive function and academic performance. By allowing students to momentarily disengage from academic tasks, brain breaks facilitate cognitive processing, memory consolidation, and information retention. Moreover, these breaks promote neural activation, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving skills. These breaks not only boost academic performance but also increase engagement and motivation in core subjects like Mathematics and English. Moreover, they have shown to reduce sedentary time, improve BMI, enhance classroom behavior, and decrease disciplinary issues.

Why use Famli in your school?

4 Research-Backed Reasons

Improve focus and attention

Research shows that taking short breaks during prolonged periods of concentration can help improve attention and reduce fatigue (1, 2).

Increase learning and memory

Brain breaks have been found to be effective in improving memory retention, particularly when they involve physical activity (3, 4).

Reduce stress and anxiety

Taking regular breaks can also help reduce stress and anxiety levels in students, which can negatively impact their ability to learn and perform (5, 6).

Improve physical health

Brain breaks incorportating physical activity can help improve students' overall physical health, which can have positive effects on their overall well-being and academic performance (7).

Unlike what you can find on Youtube or GoNoodle, Famli’s Brain Breaks:

Are research-backed, interactive, fun and engaging for children, and specifically made for classrooms

Include a “Back to Class Work” transition, to calm students before work

Leave your class up to 40% more focused and ready to learn

Require no preparation or time spent searching online, they’re all ready to go

Have various durations to seamlessly integrate in your class schedules

Have no ads, thus no extra distractions

Link to wellbeing activities students can do at home via the Famli app, for a positive impact both in school and home

Track your class’s exercise and mindfulness minutes, with all the data easily accessible in your Famli Portal to evidence to your positive impact

Children and teachers are at the center of our development

Building on scientific evidence, we develop Famli with teachers and families according to the ethical principles of the Designing for Children’s Rights Guide. Through co-creative workshops with families, we are inspired and advised by educators, children and parents.

Empowering Teachers, Enriching Students

At Famli, we empower educators with a diverse range of interactive, engaging, and fun brain break activities designed to maximise student wellbeing and academic success, both in school and at home. Our platform equips teachers with the tools and resources they need to create dynamic learning environments where every student can thrive.

Ready to get started?

Explore our platform and discover the difference Famli’s research-backed brain breaks can make in your classroom today!

No credit card required.

Collaborate with us

Interested in partnering for research or working together to make a positive impact on student wellbeing and academic success? We’d love to hear from you.

    1. McMillan, J.H., & Hearn, J. (2008). Classroom management: Creating positive learning environments. Pearson.

    2. Guitierrez-Maldonado, J., & Rosas, R. (2011). Effects of physical activity on attention and memory in primary school children. Journal of Sport and Health Research, 3(1), 1-12.

    3. Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 135-168.

    4. Ratey, J.J., & Hagerman, E. (2008). Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain. Penguin.

    5. Durlak, J.A., Weissberg, R.P., Dymnicki, A.B., Taylor, R.D., & Schellinger, K.B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students' social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405-432.

    6. O'Connor, E., Dearing, E., & Collins, B. (2011). The impact of school-based mindfulness practice on cognitive and socio-emotional functioning of adolescent students. Journal of Applied School Psychology, 27(1), 70-95.

    7. Clements, D.H., & Sarama, J. (2009). Effects of a prekindergarten mathematics intervention on young children's mathematical development. Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, 2(3), 137-163.