A break activity can be led by a designated teacher or by a class teacher supervising students during recess. Activities can include games, challenges, board games, or sports. Ideally, break activities are planned by a few responsible teachers who have scheduled time to lead different activities during breaks. These activities foster community and reduce social exclusion. They help manage stress and provide structure for students who need it. Break activities also reduce conflicts, as students are engaged in meaningful activities with present adults. It’s important to check what students are interested in to ensure student input but also introduce new activities to spark curiosity and engagement. If students can borrow play equipment from a storage shed or classroom, they also have the option to create their own break activities.
Different activities may be needed for younger and older students. Adapt activities to the weather—for example, if there’s packing snow, try a snowball target throw competition! Challenges of all kinds are popular, such as: “Roll as many sixes as possible with a die in 30 seconds.” These attract a lot of interest!
Step 1: decide with the students/teachers the issue to be investigated
Step 2: decide the questions to be asked
Step 3: place the cardboard box in the school hall/classroom
Step 4: provide the students paper and pens
Step 5: set the time
Step 6: focus that the activity is anonymous and that they can freely express themselves and clarify that they can also propose some positive suggestions
Step 7: decide with the students how to collect and evaluate the results.
Students participated actively and felt more involved in school life. Their motivation to improve the school environment increased.
The initiative strengthened the sense of belonging and involved the whole school community, including caretakers and parents. The students became more and more aware and engaged and appreciated having the opportunity to express their opinions freely and anonymously, feeling listened to and valued.
They realized that sharing ideas and communicating with teachers can lead to real changes in the school.
In the future, the activity could be introduced gradually, class by class, rather than involving the whole school from the beginning. The strategy is highly recommended because it promotes wellbeing, active participation, and dialogue among students, teachers, and families.
