What should an instructor do when faced with overloaded or fatigued students?

When students are overloaded or fatigued, taking a break and engaging them in a short game can be highly beneficial. This approach allows students to step away from intense learning for a moment, which can relieve their mental fatigue. During a brief game, students can still interact with math concepts in a fun and less stressful manner. This change of pace helps refresh their minds, allowing them to return to the lesson more focused and energized. It also fosters a positive learning environment where students feel supported and encouraged to participate, rather than overwhelmed. This strategy can improve their overall engagement and retention of the material.