Schools + Parents
Classroom Activity Breaks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children ages 6-17 years old participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. According to the CDC, implementing strategies that help students stay healthy and physically active through the use of brief classroom activity breaks (i.e.., 5-10 minutes) is associated with improved: 

  • Cognitive performance: attention, concentration
  • Classroom behavior: on-task behavior 
  • Educational outcomes: standardized test scores, reading literacy scores, math fluency 

Brain Breaks, created in partnership with Beach Cities Health District and Redondo Beach Unified School District, strategically balance the school day with opportunities to engage in short physical activity that activate the brain and leave students more focused and ready to learn. 

View the Classroom Brain Break videos:

Beach Cities Health District also supports local public schools by incorporating Classroom Activity Breaks, a moderate intensity activity break based on research from Instant Recess®. The program was scientifically designed to maximize energy expenditure and enjoyment while minimizing injury risk and perceived exertion.

Benefits of Classroom Activity Breaks®:

  • Increases attention and focus
  • Improves academic performance
  • Increases student physical activity level
  • Promotes positive classroom behavior

To access teacher resources for Classroom Activity Breaks, click here.

For more information, please contact:
Tami Kachel, MPH
School Health Programs Coordinator 
Tami.Kachel@bchd.org