Valentine's Day Brain Breaks

Here are five cute and engaging brain break ideas for Valentine’s Day that your students will love:

1. Heart Hunt

Hide paper hearts around the classroom with simple actions written on them. Let students take turns finding a heart and leading the class in the action. It's a fun way to get them moving!

Action Ideas:

• Do 10 jumping jacks.
• Hop on one foot for 10 seconds.
• Spin around in a circle three times.
• Dance like a robot for 20 seconds.
• Touch your toes and reach for the sky.
• Do the "Cupid Shuffle" (step to the left, step to the right).
• Pretend you're a heart-shaped balloon floating up.
• Act like you’re giving a big Valentine’s Day hug.
• Stomp your feet like you’re a Valentine’s Day dinosaur.
• Do a silly wiggle dance for 15 seconds.

2. Cupid Says

Play a Valentine’s-themed version of Simon Says. Swap "Simon" for "Cupid" and use Valentine's themed actions. It’s an easy way to incorporate Valentine’s Day while encouraging active listening.

Action Ideas: 

• Cupid says, "Pretend you're blowing up a Valentine’s Day balloon."
• Cupid says, "March in place like you're walking to a Valentine’s party."
• Cupid says, "Make a heart with your hands and hold it up high."
• Cupid says, "Draw a heart in the air with your finger."
• Cupid says, "Give yourself a big hug."
• Cupid says, "Spin around in a circle three times."
• Cupid says, "Do the Cupid shuffle (small steps to the side)."
• Cupid says, "Pretend to write a Valentine card in the air."
• Cupid says, "Jump up and say ‘I love this class!’”
• Cupid says, "Touch your toes and say ‘Happy Valentine’s Day!’"
• Cupid says, "Stand tall like a statue."

3. Freeze Dance

Play upbeat Valentine-themed songs and let the kids dance around. When the music stops, they have to freeze in a pose of making a heart with their hands or hugging themselves.

Song ideas:

• "Can’t Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake (a feel-good favorite)
• "Sugar" by Maroon 5 (catchy and love-themed)
• "Happy" by Pharrell Williams (spreads positive vibes)
• "You’ve Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story (perfect for celebrating friendship)
• "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles (a timeless and fun classic)

4. Pass the Heart

Use a plush heart or a small Valentine-themed object. Play music and have students pass the heart around the circle. When the music stops, the student holding the heart shares something kind about a classmate or something they love about school. It's a mix of kindness and movement!

5. Heart Stack Challenge

Give each student a stack of conversation hearts or small heart-shaped candies. Set a timer and challenge them to see how tall they can stack their hearts in 30 seconds. It’s a quiet, focused activity that also gives their brains a break from academics.