We’ve got a couple of weeks of school lunch packing under our belts so far this year, and we’re getting back into our regular routine. In addition to providing food my kids love, I’m also adding a little extra to my daughters’ lunches to help fuel their imaginations during lunchtime. It’s been so much fun to see how such a simple addition can lead to such excitement.
I’m happy to partner with Horizon Organics to share this simple lunchbox solution that helps nurture kids to be their best selves. My kids already know they’ll be getting some of their favorite foods and Horizon snacks in their lunchboxes, but they are now just as excited to see what the day’s Brain Break kit will be. And I love that I’m not only nourishing their bodies but also their minds.
What is a brain break?
So what is a brain break? In the simplest sense it is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a tool to provide a change in mental or physical state, a way to briefly shift focus from the day-to-day routine and information intake that a school (or work) day entails.
As adults we may look back and long for the daily routine of school, but it’s tough work being a kid and learning all of that new material. Lunch itself provides time for kids to chat with friends and take a brief break from classroom tasks. But socializing isn’t the only way to reenergize during lunchtime. In fact some kids, especially introverts, may find the social interaction at lunch to be a bit draining and may crave some time on their own. When they are finished snacking on their yummy lunches and Horizon snacks, they can opt for one of these brain breaks instead.
Easy School Lunch Brain Break Ideas
You can provide kids a brief brain break from the rigor of the classroom by adding one of these items to kids’ lunchboxes. 
Notepad and sticker sheet-Change it up a little bit by adding in a sticker sheet with the notepad. Then kids can create a sticker scene, illustrate it, and even write about it on subsequent days.
Journal-Let kids keep a journal about the school day or any topic. It would also be fun to write notes back and forth to one another in the same journal. What a great way to connect with kids who are able to write!
Partner games-Either purchase a small book or prepare a few simple game boards for games like tic-tac-toe that kids can play with a partner.
Word Puzzles-Word puzzle books or printables can be a fun challenge for kids to work on independently or with a buddy.
Joke book-Get kids laughing with a small joke book tucked inside of their lunchbox.
Book-Reading is another a great option. Toss in a favorite book for a little imaginary escape from the lunchroom.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. You can decide whether to change out the activities daily, weekly or on some other schedule. Right now we’re alternating between a small journal and some partner games, and when interest seems to wane we’ll try out another idea.
By combining convenient Horizon snack options and other foods to promote physical health with these easy brain break kits to support mental health, I feel confident that my girls are ready to tackle whatever the rest of the school day brings.
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This conversation is sponsored by Horizon. The opinions and text are all mine.
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