Teacher Tip Tuesday: Indoor Recess Ideas
With all the cold and snow around here, we've already had several indoor recesses this school year. Isn't it funny how the younger kids dress like they're going on an arctic expedition, but the older kids dress like they're going surfing?
"Why is it so cold?" they whine at recess.
I'm tempted to reply with either, "Because it's Minnesota. It gets cold every year! Haven't you figured that out yet?" or "Because you're not wearing a coat, hat or gloves. You tend to feel the cold more when you're not dressed!"
I require coats, hats, gloves, etc. at certain temperatures. You'd think I required straight jackets by the looks I get when I say, "It's below freezing. Make sure you have a coat."
So, what do you do when it is too cold or icy to go outside for recess?
I found some links to share with you. Lots of good ideas for either the classroom or the gym. If you have large hallways, you may want to use them, too.
1. Classroom or Large Space Activities for Grades K-6
2. Classroom or Large Space Activities for Grades 6-8
3. Proteacher Bulletin Board
4. Indoor Games for the Classroom
5. Book: Help, It's an Indoor Recess!
6. Ideas from Responsive Classroom
As I searched for those ideas, I had to laugh at what some schools consider a low temp for recess. If we abided by the rules of one school, to have an indoor recess if it is raining or below 45 degrees, we would spend half of the year inside! Of course, I know teachers who take their kids out in temps I consider too low, so it's all relative.
I know you can find some great ideas at the links above. Enjoy!
"Why is it so cold?" they whine at recess.
I'm tempted to reply with either, "Because it's Minnesota. It gets cold every year! Haven't you figured that out yet?" or "Because you're not wearing a coat, hat or gloves. You tend to feel the cold more when you're not dressed!"
I require coats, hats, gloves, etc. at certain temperatures. You'd think I required straight jackets by the looks I get when I say, "It's below freezing. Make sure you have a coat."
So, what do you do when it is too cold or icy to go outside for recess?
I found some links to share with you. Lots of good ideas for either the classroom or the gym. If you have large hallways, you may want to use them, too.
1. Classroom or Large Space Activities for Grades K-6
2. Classroom or Large Space Activities for Grades 6-8
3. Proteacher Bulletin Board
4. Indoor Games for the Classroom
5. Book: Help, It's an Indoor Recess!
6. Ideas from Responsive Classroom
As I searched for those ideas, I had to laugh at what some schools consider a low temp for recess. If we abided by the rules of one school, to have an indoor recess if it is raining or below 45 degrees, we would spend half of the year inside! Of course, I know teachers who take their kids out in temps I consider too low, so it's all relative.
I know you can find some great ideas at the links above. Enjoy!
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