Time
10-20 seconds
Frequency
Daily
Material
Equipment to play music
Purpose
To change the energy in the room, decrease stress response, and promote emotional regulation
- On a device, play a song.
- Tell the class, “It’s time to move.”
- Make sure to join in and move with your students.
- Do this for 10-20 seconds only.
- Return to previous task.
- Pick any song that you would like or have the class pick the song.
- Change the song every so often.
Research suggests that incorporating short physical activity breaks within the classroom not only benefits adolescents physically, but also increases their mental health by boosting self-esteem and cognitive functioning, while reducing stress hormones and depression (Embry & Biglan, 2008). Activities such as daily stretching or jumping jacks can be done within the classroom to energize or calm a classroom. Students who engage in physical activity and/or breathing exercises during the school day are better able to focus, and maintain attention throughout the day, as these tasks stimulate executive functions, and allow students to regulate emotions experienced in the classroom (Diamond & Lee, 2011).
Diamond, A., & Lee, K. (2011). Interventions shown to aid executive function development in children 4 to 12 years old. Science, 333(6045), 959-964.
Embry, D. D., & Biglan, A. (2008). Evidence-based kernels: fundamental units of behavioral influence. Clinical child and family psychology review, 11(3), 75–113. doi:10.1007/s10567-008-0036-x
Stretching and letting go of tension caused by unpleasant feelings and emotions can be an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding that they can surrender the worries and stresses to God.
(4h) A self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner who participates in leisure and fitness activities for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
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