Tech Tools for Teachers PODCAST

Creative Brain Breaks for Cold Days

February 2, 2026

Shanna Martin smiles in front of a bright blue plaid background. Text reads “Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast – Episode 227 – Creative Brain Breaks for Cold Days.”

Two Simple Creativity Tools for Indoor Recess (and Beyond)

February is here, it’s freezing, and indoor recess has officially taken over. When kids need movement, creativity, or just something different—without another long explanation—simple tools matter.

In Episode 227 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we share two no-login, no-setup, instantly engaging creativity tools that work on Chromebooks, iPads, and laptops:

BoMoMo

Screenshot of Bomomo showing vertical blue streaks and floating translucent circles, representing an abstract digital painting with gradient effects.Screenshot of Bomomo digital drawing app showing swirls of red, blue, yellow, and black brushstrokes. Tool buttons are visible at the bottom, with one hexagonal shape selected.Screenshot of Bomomo artwork featuring colorful overlapping lines in green, blue, and black on a white background. Bubbles and light trails enhance the abstract design. Drawing tools are visible below the canvas.

BoMoMo is abstract art at its finest. Students simply click and drag to create colorful, flowing designs that react in real time. There’s no “right” answer, no instructions to memorize, and no pressure to make something perfect.

It’s ideal for:

  • Quick brain breaks
  • Indoor recess activities
  • Abstract art + storytelling prompts
  • Creating simple slide backgrounds

Teachers can even use BoMoMo to design clean, custom Google Slides backgrounds by saving or screenshotting designs and matching fonts and colors.

Sketchpad (Sketch.io)

Screenshot of Sketch.io showing a blank yellow canvas with “Hello” written in black text and several purple stars scattered on the page. Tool sidebar is visible on the left with shape and text tools.Screenshot of Sketch.io with a transparent grid background. The phrase “Celebrate your pup” is written with a textured brush resembling fur, accompanied by a cartoon dog holding a bone. Brush tool is selected in the toolbar.Screenshot of Sketch.io with a blue grid background. Several black diagonal lines are drawn across the canvas. Text and formatting options are open on the left-hand panel, showing font, size, and spacing tools.

Sketchpad is a straightforward digital drawing and design space that lets students just start creating. No accounts. No tutorials. Just a canvas and intuitive tools.

Students can:

  • Design posters and diagrams
  • Create character sketches or story maps
  • Draw science visuals or concept webs
  • Export work as JPG, PNG, PDF, or SVG

Bonus: SVG export makes this a great option for Cricut users and makers.

Both tools are perfect for:

  • Indoor recess
  • Fast finishers
  • Creative warm-ups
  • Staff meetings
  • Any moment when students need to reset without chaos

Simple tools. Big creativity. Cold-day approved.

— Shanna

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