Inside: Recess is so important for kids–even in bad weather. Here are ideas and supplies for active indoor recess for kids.
Movement is crucial for kids’ success in school and learning. Research shows that movement actually “turns on” the brain, activating areas of a child’s brain that allow for better learning (read: These “Brain Breaks” Are What Kids Need).
Why Kids Need Recess
Besides helping kids focus while learning, exercise also helps:
- build strong muscles and bones
- promote better sleep
- ease symptoms of anxiety
- reduce the risk of long-term health conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure
But sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate.
A few years ago, we had an especially brutal winter. Weeks of frigid temperatures meant recess at school was frequently indoors–and spring brought rainy days that nixed playground time too. As part of the PTA’s Wellness Committee at my children’s school, I helped put together supplies for our teachers that made active indoor recess easier.
Supplies For Inside Recess
We gave teachers a list of these indoor recess supplies to choose from. Here are the requested items we purchased:
- Yoga Mats
(plus a deck of these Kids’ Yoga Cards) - Fitness Dice
- Koosh Balls
- Hopscotch Rug
- Speed Stacking Cups
- Fitness Cards
(plus a deck of these 
)
More Ideas for Indoor Recess
Free Movement Videos for Indoor Recess
These websites offer free, short movement videos so kids can get up and move their bodies.
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