As we write this post, schools are heading into winter break. We’re seeing pouring down rain, overnight snow, and temperatures in the teens. (Can you relate?) There’s no doubt that the winter blues can make it tough for teachers and students to stay engaged. And if the weather makes it impossible to get outside for Recess, have no fear. Here are some fun indoor recess ideas to keep students active and happy if they’re stuck inside.

The Importance of Recess

Recess plays an important role in a child’s physical, social, and intellectual development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children take part in 60 minutes of physical activity each day. In addition, several national organizations, including the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that school districts provide at least 20 minutes of daily recess for all elementary school students.

Research is making it clear that recess is about more than just letting students release energy and take a break from the classroom environment. Physical activity—even in short bursts— enhances students’ academic success and behavior.

Consider these findings presented by GENYOUth’s Wellness Impact Report:

• Research has found a positive correlation between the amount of time spent being physically active and academic performance. Students who were more active during school and on weekends performed better on standardized tests for reading, math, and spelling.

• Physical activity is key to the development of the areas of the brain that control functions relative to thinking, concentration, and acting (or not acting) on impulse.

Make the Most of Winter Indoor Recess

How can you make the most of recess when winter weather keeps you inside? Indoor recess doesn’t have to mean 20 minutes of board games and reading quietly. With these Winter Recess Ideas, students can still get the physical activity they need to promote effective learning throughout the rest of the day.

If you have access to the gym or cafeteria:

• Divide your class into teams of four for relay races.
• Create an obstacle course using balls, hoops, cones, and other simple gym equipment.
• Bring their favorite outside games inside, including four square, wall ball, jump rope, and basketball.
• Lay down a few gym mats for tumbling or yoga.

If you’re staying in your classroom:

• Utilize your favorite brain breaks that incorporate physical activity such as Go Noodle or Simon Says.
• Play “action” Jenga by writing a physical activity (sit-ups, jumping jacks, squats) on each Jenga block. Twister is another great option!
• Play charades. Create a list of actions, like this one, that will engage students’ bodies and imaginations.
• Hold a classroom dance party.

To encourage more activity, break these winter recess ideas into multiple stations around your classroom so more students can participate at the same time. Remember to make recess time manageable for you. Store all your equipment and resources on a mobile cart that can travel and be shared among classrooms. This bit of planning can go a long way, especially for spur-of-the-moment winter weather!

The post Fight the Cold Weather Blues with Indoor Winter Recess Ideas appeared first on Continental Educational Publisher.