The Power of Reset: Why Students and Teachers Need Breaks to Learn Best
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In the busy world of schools, it’s easy to believe that focus and engagement are all about willpower. But the truth is, no one, child or adult, can maintain sustained attention all day long. Periodic breaks are not just helpful; they are essential for learning, wellbeing, and engagement. That’s why the new You Can Do It! Education 2026 programs embed meditation, mindfulness, and reset breaks, with ready-to-use videos and audios, directly into the curriculum, providing practical tools for classrooms everywhere.
Why Resetting Matters
Brain science tells us that attention spans are limited, especially for children. Research suggests that resets every 20 minutes are needed to maintain focus and optimal learning. Without breaks, the mind wanders, fatigue sets in, and learning suffers. This isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s simply how we’re wired. For children, resetting is about more than just a quick stretch. It’s about restoring their energy, clearing their minds, and coming back ready to engage. For teachers, breaks can be a chance to observe, reflect, and adapt their approach, making each session more effective.
Practical Strategies for the Classroom
Every class and every child is different, but a few core themes can help practitioners foster engagement and participation:
- Strengths-Based Approach: Focus on what each child does well. Celebrate their successes, however small, and use positive language to encourage further progress.
- Child-Friendly Scheduling: Build in breaks, movement, and time for creativity. Recognize that younger children may need even more frequent resets.
- Time and Patience: Allow time for children to process, reflect, and regroup. Avoid rushing from one activity to the next.
- Physical Environment: Use flexible seating, calming corners, or outdoor spaces for reset moments.
- Communication: Offer developmentally-appropriate explanations. Use both words and non-verbal cues to guide transitions and breaks.
- Play and Imagination: Encourage short play-based resets—games, drawing, or creative movement.
- Individualisation: Remember, every child is unique. What works for one may not work for another, so tailor resets and mindfulness activities to individual needs.
Engagement and Participation: Two Sides of the Same Coin
True engagement is about more than just being present. It’s about feeling safe, being listened to, and having a voice. When children are given opportunities to participate, especially in ways that value their strengths and preferences, they are more likely to feel connected and motivated.
Participation should always be voluntary, informed, and centred on the child’s wellbeing. Activities that invite children to share their thoughts, choose their reset activity, or reflect on what helps them feel calm can be especially powerful.
How You Can Do It! Education Supports Reset and Wellbeing
The 2026 You Can Do It! Education programs are designed with these principles at heart. Every module now includes embedded mindfulness and meditation audios, guided reset breaks, and short videos, all structured to help students and teachers pause, breathe, and come back refreshed. These resources are easy to use, require no prior experience, and can be adapted for different ages and classrooms. By making resets a regular part of the day, we help students and teachers stay engaged, energised, and ready to learn. Because when we take care of our minds and bodies, we can truly do our best, together.