According to an article in NEA Today, all work and no play leads to unruly and obese children. While on the surface this may seem obvious, in fact many schools have increased “seat time” in response to growing pressure to pass state standardized tests as required by the No Child Left Behind act.
Research has shown that a 15 minute break is beneficial to students. In Asia, elementary students are provided with a 10 minute break every 40-50 minutes of instruction. This is a standard that would benefit teachers everywhere. Instead of fighting students to focus for a few minutes longer, take a break!
Ideas for quick breaks during the instruction day:
- Extra recess
- Scavenger hunt in the classroom
- Musical chairs
- Everyone switch seats
- Put music on for students to dance to
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