Since 2011, School Health Connection has been working to train teachers throughout New Orleans to incorporate more physical activity in their classrooms. In spring of 2013, teachers and staff at Dibert, Ashe, Langston Hughes, and Green began incorporating physical activity breaks, known as “Instant Recesses,” into their daily routines.
One student shared, “Recess is short, so with Instant Recess, it gives us a chance to take a break and get our blood pumping.”
But what exactly is “Instant Recess?” These short breaks throughout the school day involve activities like yoga and dance and give students a chance to unwind and reset while engaging in healthy physical activity and bonding with their classmates. Students especially enjoy showing off their best dance moves to their classmates or singing along to the latest Calvin Harris and will.i.am tracks!
“Like all of us, children learn better and work better and their brains are more active when they are taking breaks occasionally,” said FirstLine CEO Jay Altman.
Besides numerous health benefits, these breaks can improve classroom behavior, memory, and concentration as well as re-engage and re-energize students, making for a healthier, more enjoyable school day. Check out School Health Connection’s video on Physical Activity Breaks highlighting some FirstLine students:
