Active Break Factory: Design One for Another Class

In groups, students design a three-minute active break that can be done in a classroom between lessons, test it on classmates and write it up for another class in the school. It works on planning healthy physical activity and project work.

How to play

1. Explain what an active break is and why breaking up sitting time matters; make groups of four (4 min).
2. Each group picks a goal (mobility, energizing or focus) and designs three or four equipment-free exercises (8 min).
3. Each group leads its break for another group, which tries it and gives two improvements (10 min).
4. Adjust the break and write the final card with drawings and times (6 min).
5. As a class, choose two breaks to offer another class or the teachers (2 min).

Rules

• Exercises done next to the chair, no big jumps or lying on the floor.
• The break lasts exactly three minutes.
• Every exercise has an easy version.
• Feedback to other groups is given as suggestions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: their group makes sure every exercise has a seated version.
• Students who struggle with writing: draw the exercises or record a voice note.
• Students with visual impairments: the group describes each exercise out loud while leading.

Learning goals

• Design a short healthy physical activity sequence.
• Adapt exercises to different levels.
• Work as a team on a project with a real audience.

Equipment for a class of 25

• sheets of paper: 15
• markers: 8

Teacher tip

If the school allows it, the best breaks can go on the department board or blog. Check that no exercise requires moving desks or standing on a chair.

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