Ideas + Supplies For Active Indoor Recess

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

More Ideas for Indoor Recess

Skip Jump Rope

Adjustable Soft Skipping Rope

Dancing Ribbon

Juggling Scarves

Step-a-Trail Obstacle Course

Fitivities Kids and Family Fitness Game

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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