Oh No, Indoor Recess!!
It's messy outside. Or it's too cold or too hot or . .
. . Not matter, you can't take your children out to play on the playground,
and you have to find something for them to do. They can play the board
games you've gathered over the years, read a good book, chat with friends,
be the teacher's helpers, watch a video, go to the library or computer
lab (if there's room and supervision), do homework, use the classroom computer(s),
etc.
Whatever indoor recess may be, it should be a fun and
relaxing time for your students. They usually won't get to run around and
use up all that energy (unless there's a gym or multipurpose room available-and
even if it's available, there's probably another class already there),
but the time can be a nice break from their regular classroom studies.
Who plans for indoor recess?
Indoor recess is not exactly on your mind for lesson planning.
Usually it just happens and you scramble for what to do with your children.
Nobody's going to look at your lesson plans for recess, are they? But,
like outdoor recess, it's a time when supervision is not as easy as with
traditional classroom activities unless you do something such as showing
a video. Using a video for indoor recess carries it own problems, however,
for after the video your students will be looking for some interaction
and may not want to listen as they should for your lessons after recess.
It might be tough afternoon for you and your class if the children don't
have something challenging to do during recess.
What is a good teacher to do?
It's probably better to encourage the children to do something
that requires partnering or working with classmates. Being in groups often
gives students the stimulation and time to move around that they need.
Although a few children will want to use recess time to do homework, studies,
or individual art or writing projects on their own, many will need some
ideas about what to do during indoor recess-and how to interact positively.
"What to do" becomes the problem, especially when children are
disappointed about not being able to go outside for a great time on the
playground or a good game of soccer. The trick is to give both you and
your students a needed break.
Below are some links to ideas for indoor recess that may
make your job easier while giving your children the break they need, too.
Copy these activities, change as you wish, and use with your students.
We've written them for your students and tried to include enough ideas
to please boys and girls, different ages, and various interests.
Indoor "Recessitation"
Grades 1 & 2
Indoor "Recessitation"
Grades 3 to 6
