Brain Break Cube: Camping
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 8
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Coordinating Activities
Camping Brain Break Cube
- 6 camping movement cards to slide into a pocket cube, in color (light a fire, carry a backpack, paddle a canoe, use a flashlight, roast a marshmallow and roll out a sleeping bag)
- The same cube inserts in black and white
- Build-your-own paper cube template in color and black and white
- Instruction page
Slide the inserts into a clear pocket cube or print, cut, fold and tape the paper cube. Kids roll it and act out the movement that lands on top.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Scissors or a paper cutter
- Tape (for the paper cube)
- Optional: a clear pocket cube and a laminator
Standards for Gross Motor Skills, Listening and Vocabulary
This camping brain break supports early learning standards connected to gross motor coordination, following directions and acting out action words.
Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.5.D: Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs describing the same general action by acting out the meanings. Kids act out each action word on the cube.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.6: Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to and responding to texts. Kids learn camping words and action words as they play.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Physical Education
- PK4.IX.A.1: Child demonstrates coordination and balance in isolation. Kids balance and move their bodies to match each action.
- PK4.IX.A.2: Child coordinates sequence of movements to perform tasks. Kids put together the steps of each pretend movement.
- TEKS PE K.1(C): Demonstrate visual tracking and tracing, simple balancing, cross lateralization and sequencing of two skills.
- TEKS PE K.6(C): Demonstrate safe practices by following rules, procedures and directions during class and activities. Kids listen to the action and follow it safely.
Virginia Physical Education Standards of Learning
- K.1.b: Demonstrate bending, pushing, pulling, turning and balancing on one foot.
- K.2.c: Demonstrate the concept of personal and general space. Kids act out each movement in their own space.
- K.4.a: Demonstrate cooperative and safe behaviors during play. Kids take turns rolling and move safely as a group.
Camping Brain Break Cube gives preschool and kindergarten kids a quick gross motor brain break with 6 camping movements to act out every time they roll.
Kids head out on a pretend camping trip as they paddle a canoe, roast marshmallows and roll out their sleeping bags.
The cube asks kids to light a fire, carry a backpack, paddle a canoe, use a flashlight, roast a marshmallow and roll out a sleeping bag. Each side has a picture and a short action phrase, so kids who aren’t reading yet can follow along while you read the words.
Roll the cube during circle time, between lessons or any time kids need to move. A few quick rolls help kids reset their bodies and get ready to focus again.
How to Use Camping Brain Break Cube
- Print the color or black and white cube inserts.
- Slide the inserts into a pocket cube or cut, fold and tape the paper cube.
- Have a child roll the cube.
- Read the action together and have everyone act it out.
- Roll again until kids are ready to get back to work.
Circle Time: Pass the cube around the circle so each child gets a turn to roll.
Transitions and Indoor Recess: Keep the cube by the carpet or door for a quick movement break between activities or on a rainy day.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This Brain Break
Every group has a mix of gross motor, listening and attention skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Show each movement before you roll.
- Act out the movement together with the child.
- Start with 3 or 4 movements and add more over time.
- Accept a smaller or seated version of any movement.
For On-Level Practice:
- Roll and act out each movement on your own.
- Hold each movement for a count of 5.
- Take turns rolling with a partner.
- Name the action word on each side.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Roll twice and do both movements in a row.
- Repeat the movement 10 times and count out loud.
- Act out the movement fast, then slow.
- Make up a new camping movement for the group to try.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Use the pictures to teach action words and theme words.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Model the action word and give plenty of wait time.
- Practice balance, coordination and motor planning with each movement.
- Offer seated or adapted versions of any movement.
Camping Brain Break Cube Is Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Circle time
- Transitions
- Indoor recess
- Morning meeting
- Movement breaks
- OT and PT sessions
- Speech therapy
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Special education
- Substitute plans
- Homeschool
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