There are several myths and misconceptions about brain breaks and bell ringers in education. Here are some common ones.

Myths

Reality

Brain breaks are a waste of instructional time.

Brain breaks are not a waste of time; they can actually enhance learning. Short breaks can help students refocus, reduce stress, and improve overall productivity.

Bell ringers are only for the beginning of the class.

While bell ringers are often used at the beginning of a class to engage students, they can be incorporated at various points during a lesson to reinforce concepts or assess prior knowledge.

Brain breaks are only for elementary students.

Brain breaks can benefit students of all ages, including middle and high school students. Everyone can benefit from brief moments of physical activity and relaxation.

Bell ringers should always be related to the day’s lesson.

While it’s beneficial to connect bell ringers to the lesson when possible, they can also serve as a way to introduce new topics or provoke critical thinking on unrelated subjects.

Brain breaks are only about physical activity.

While physical movement is one type of brain break, others can involve mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, or even short mental challenges.

Bell ringers should be graded and count toward students’ final grades.

Bell ringers are typically formative assessments designed to inform instruction and gauge students’ prior knowledge. They are not meant to be high-stakes assessments.

Brain breaks are only for students who have trouble focusing.

Brain breaks benefit all students, not just those who struggle with focus. They can help maintain engagement and prevent mental fatigue.

Bell ringers should be complex and time-consuming.

Bell ringers can be short and simple, designed to activate prior knowledge or spark curiosity. They don’t need to be lengthy or elaborate.

Brain breaks and bell ringers are interchangeable terms.

While both serve to engage students, they serve different purposes. Brain breaks are typically short breaks during lessons, while bell ringers are activities or questions at the beginning of a class.

Brain breaks and bell ringers are fads with no proven benefits.

Research suggests that both brain breaks and bell ringers can have positive effects on student engagement, focus, and learning outcomes when used effectively.