The 4 Types of Breaks

Printable Guide to Using Breaks Effectively for Behavior Support & Classroom Management

The 4 Types of Breaks printable is a practical, easy-to-follow guide that helps teachers, paraprofessionals, and therapists understand and use different types of breaks to support learner regulation, focus, and transitions. By breaking down scheduled breaks, sensory breaks, earned breaks, and bridge activity breaks, this resource gives you clear examples of when and how to use each one in both general education and special education settings.Perfect for IEP teams, ABA programs, and classrooms that want to proactively address behavior and prevent escalation, this behavior support tool is especially helpful for neurodivergent learners who benefit from structured, predictable supports.

Why Download This Resource?

• Learn the difference between scheduled, sensory, earned, and bridge activity breaks—and when to use each one.
• Reduce challenging behaviors by proactively supporting self-regulation and smooth transitions.
• Build consistency across staff so learners receive predictable, effective behavior supports throughout the day.

What You’ll Get:

• A printable visual guide explaining each break type, its purpose, and examples of when to use it.
• Practical, classroom-ready tips such as how to time breaks and link them to motivation or regulation needs.
• A versatile resource for staff training, classroom displays, or behavior intervention plan (BIP) references.

Download the 4 Types of Breaks guide today to make break time purposeful, predictable, and supportive for every learner.