Everyone Needs Recess

As I was out on a bike ride recently with my son, I ran into a former colleague who I had worked with for some time and a former student of mine who I had taught for many years. It was so great to see them! We maintained a 6-foot distance, of course, checking in with each other about all the changes in everyone’s world these days.

I could not help but notice my colleague’s passion as she talked about trying to do what is best for her students, but also about the learning curve of how to do this so quickly being a great challenge. You see, just like any job, it takes many years for us, as educators, to become proficient in our craft, and in virtually 1-2 weeks we were thrown a curveball…as were parents and students. I realize how tough this is on all of us, so I wanted to share some ideas and resources to help support you. While kids may not be participating in formal recess time at home like they do when in school, it’s important for them to stay active. The same goes for educators and parents. Everyone needs a little recess to get through the day.

• I would encourage you, if you are not already doing so, to send home fun activities for your students to stay active, smile, and breathe. I realize many of you are trying to stay afloat with your own educational content, but as classroom teachers and parents, you can also help to encourage movement, activity, and brain boosts as the kids are listening and watching. My own kids are on their devices 7-10 hours a day trying to keep up with their studies, and throughout the day I make sure I am providing challenges for them to move and get the blood flowing.
• Explore our collection of free webinars to help you find inspiration to engage your students at home. If you’re short on time, I recommend these two 20-minute webinars on activities that can be done with one bean bag in a small space. The activities are great for those bad-weather days inside or can be done outside as well. If a bean bag is not readily available at your student’s home, you can encourage your student to make one. Or they can get a rolled-up pair of (clean) socks and make a sock ball. Our webinars can help all ages, including adults. Feel free to watch them, share them with anyone, and use them to get kids, adults, and families active during this unprecedented time. We ALL need it!
• Your students and kids are going to need you more than ever to send smiles, fun, and encouragement as many of them look to you to relieve some of the anxiety of the struggles they are facing.
• Please take time to breathe and give yourself some grace!!! More is NOT always better as the challenges during this time look and feel different for everyone.
• Lastly, give yourself time as a teacher and a parent to move and be active, as RECESS is VITAL for all of us.

Taking time each day to be active can go a long way in helping everyone get through the challenges of our world today. Breathe, smile, and hang in there. You got this!!