Our kids run: Short run breaks keep pupils engaged & energised

Short run breaks to refocus, reset and refresh pupils

In the same way that adults need a screen break and a stretch if they've been sitting at their desks for a long time, children also need to take short breaks during lessons. Adults can struggle to maintain focus for long periods, and children find it even more challenging. Studies suggest that concentration levels can span between 8-15 minutes in children, which is a realistic expectation for teachers to work with. In light of this knowledge, teachers can structure their lessons into manageable chunks, with planned exercise breaks between learning. 

Although fitness breaks should be incorporated into lesson plans, it's also important to assess and gauge when a class might need an additional break. Every class is different, and teachers need to read their room and adapt their teaching when necessary. Fidgeting or fiddling are common signs that focus has left the room and it's time for a fitness break.

If pupils are learning new material, or challenging content, breaks become even more important. As pupils are stretched and tested, it can be easier for them to lose focus. If pupils become restless or distracted, their behaviour for learning is negatively impacted, and they might engage in low-level disruption. Exercise breaks can be pivotal in preventing conflicts and preventing pupils from distracting each other.

My school was lucky enough to have lots of green space, and my classroom had direct access to a field. Pupils would have regular run breaks, where they would all line up and run to a tree and back. The first rule of the run was 'no overtaking', and there was always a different leader. Both of these factors helped avoid conflicts.

Teachers who don't have accessible outdoor space might use an online dance/fitness video to get pupils moving. Although the benefits of fresh air can never be underestimated, all exercise is beneficial. Movement allows pupils to shake off the cobwebs and refocus their minds on learning. As a result, they produce better work, and the classroom is a calmer environment.