NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASHBURN, VA (December 9, 2024) — JASON Learning, a nonprofit leader in PreK-12 STEM education, and Playwatch Kids, an edutainment company focused on engaging and inclusive early childhood education, have co-created an innovative new curriculum collection centered on the concept of “brain breaks.”
Designed to inspire movement, mindfulness, and creativity in classrooms and beyond, the “Brain Breaks” curriculum collection combines dynamic video content from Playwatch Kids with expertly designed educational resources from JASON Learning to support learning and well-being.
“Brain breaks” are short, intentional pauses that give students a chance to rest and recharge. They are designed to improve focus, reduce stress, and help students return to learning with fresh energy. In classrooms, brain breaks are a great way to reset attention spans and keep students engaged (Lander et al., 2024).
At the heart of the “Brain Breaks” collection are videos from Healthy Hip Hop, an exciting and energetic platform that incorporates music, movement, and literacy into learning. In early education and elementary school, brain breaks should be fun and engaging, like an easy dance, stretch, exercise, or a sing-along. In short, they should give their brains a break.
The content is complemented by an “Experience Guide” that provides adults with pre-, during-, and post-activity suggestions tailored to maximize engagement and learning outcomes. The curriculum also includes special population accommodations, ensuring that all students, including those with unique needs, can participate fully and benefit from these activities.
“Brain breaks are a powerful way to help students reset and recharge throughout the day. Our collaboration with Playwatch Kids takes this concept to the next level by integrating their incredible video content with activities that empower educators to bring movement, mindfulness, and fun into their classrooms.”
—Dr. Eleanor Smalley, President & CEO, JASON Learning
Research from Frontiers in Psychology (2016) demonstrates that incorporating short physical breaks throughout the day can significantly enhance children’s ability to focus, follow directions, and engage in tasks, which in turn positively impacts their cooperative interactions with adults, leading to improved overall behavior and learning outcomes.
The “Brain Breaks” collection underscores JASON Learning and Playwatch Kids’ shared commitment to engaging, fun, and exciting education. By offering a blend of active learning and physical movement, this program helps students build critical cognitive, emotional, and social skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
This partnership builds on JASON Learning’s mission to inspire curiosity and exploration while addressing the holistic needs of students. Whether used as quick breaks between lessons or integrated into broader instructional plans, the “Brain Breaks” curriculum empowers educators to create vibrant and supportive learning environments.
To purchase the “Brain Breaks” collection, visit https://shop.jason.org/products/playwatch-kids-brain-breaks.
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About JASON Learning
JASON Learning is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through real-world STEM curricula, project-based learning experiences for PreK-12 students, and high-quality professional development for teachers. JASON’s mission is to “inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration.” To learn more about JASON, visit https://jason.org/.
JASON Media Contact: Jenna Davis, jdavis@jason.org.
About Playwatch Kids
Playwatch Kids is an edutainment company that is transforming learning through engaging, diverse, and inclusive videos. Founded in 2021, their mission is to inspire children across the globe to recognize and embrace their full potential. Believing in the power of play to inspire and educate, Playwatch Kids designs videos that help children learn new skills, explore their creativity, and discover the world around them. Their content covers reading, math, science, world skills, and more, using vibrant characters and culturally relevant themes. Playwatch Kids aims to tell many creative and interesting stories through their programming, fostering an environment where every child can see themselves as the hero of their own story. By integrating diverse representation and engaging content, Playwatch Kids supports the development of essential skills, preparing young learners for a successful academic future. For more information, visit https://playwatchkids.com/.
