Research shows that the average child sits for approximately 8.5 hours per day. A sedentary lifestyle like this can easily lead to childhood obesity.
For this reason, it’s crucial for schools and teachers to integrate recess into their lesson plans. It’s not always possible to organize recess outdoors, though.
Let’s explore how to host indoor recess.
Importance of Indoor Recess
Indoor recess can be a great way to let students blow off steam and stay active during the school day. Not only does it give them a break from their studies, but it also helps keep up their activity levels.
This is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Indoor recess can help improve student development by providing a refreshing break from the structure of the school day.
Designate a Play Area
To get started, it’s important to designate a dedicated area for indoor recess. This could be a small corner of the classroom or an unused room in the building.
Make sure that this space has plenty of toys and activities that will keep students entertained. You can also add seating so students can take a break when needed.
Selecting Activities
You should have a list of activities ready for indoor recess. These can include board games, puzzles, arts and crafts, etc. You may also want to divide students up into teams so they can play interactive games like charades or tag.
Make sure that the activities are age-appropriate and safe, such as an indoor sensory path.
Establishing Rules
Always establish ground rules before beginning indoor recess.
Talk to your students about proper behavior and safety protocols. This can help ensure that everyone has fun and stays safe while playing indoors.
Encouraging Physical Activity
Indoor recess doesn’t have as many opportunities for physical activity, but this doesn’t mean that students can’t stay active.
Incorporate movements into activities like standing up to answer questions or having students jump in place while counting down in a game. You may want to factor in structured exercises such as stretching or jumping jacks.
Balance Social Interaction
Recess is a great time for students to socialize and connect with each other.
Encourage healthy communication between students and make sure everyone feels included in the activities. For example, you could ask students to find a partner and work together on a project or game. Doing this each day will go a long way toward helping them develop social skills.
Encourage Creativity
Creative activities are a great way to keep students engaged during indoor recess. Encourage students to use their imaginations and be creative with the activities they choose. You can also offer incentives like extra points or prizes for those who come up with unique ideas.
Indoor Recess Is Simple
Although it might seem complicated at first, hosting indoor recess is simpler than most people anticipate. Be sure to keep the above guidelines in mind so you can make the most of this opportunity.
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