The Importance of Break Cards in the Classroom
Everyone needs a break. As adults, we have learned strategies in our lives that help us get through our work day. Sometimes, our breaks can include:
Standing up from our desks and doing a little stretch
Taking a bathroom break
Going for a quick walk
Checking our phones for a quick minute
Taking a sip of water and a deep breath.
For our little ones, knowing when a break is needed may not come naturally. Break cards can be used for children who become overwhelmed easily, who have a lot of build up energy or simply for a kid who are easily anxious. With older students, if appropriate coping skills have not been taught, break cards are a way to ensure that breaks are okay to have throughout the day.
Some teachers may be weary of using break cards in the classroom and as coping tools. Many times, if a break card is not used appropriately, it may be used as a way to escape/avoid classroom work. It is important to set boundaries with break cards and to explain to children how they can be used appropriately.
Some School Psychologists put mindful exercises on the back of cards (e.g. 4 square breathing, taking a sip of water, smell the roses + blow out the candle). Some psychologists just give break cards. Some place rules on the back of the card.
I use a break card with one student in my building. He often displayed “shutting down” non-compliant behavior. This year, because of Covid-19, the rule is if a student is not following Coid-19 School Safety Procedures, they can be placed on remote-instruction. That is not the solution for me. Especially with a student who completed ZERO work when we closed back in March.
I implemented 2 break cards for this student to use. I had him sit in my office and explained the rules. I also made sure to write the rules on the back of his break card.
I can only use this break card if:
I did not watch YouTube videos during my teacher's instruction.
I followed ALL classroom rules and directions during the day.
I listened to all of Mrs. C’s instruction.
I completed at least HALF of my work for the period.
Break Cards work! Have you used them? Check out these links for some TpT Break Cards:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:i%20need%20a%20break%20card/Price-Range/Free
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Editable-Break-Cards-Spanish-and-English-6141308