Tips for More Variety during the Break

Smoking heads in math class, stale air after 45 minutes in a crowded classroom and then – finally break! Typical schoolyard games are perfect for recharging your batteries. Unfortunately, many classics have fallen into oblivion. Many kids prefer to pull out their cell phones instead of a jump rope during the big break – and are unfocused and fidgety during the next lesson. However, parents can give their offspring a taste of the old break hits in a trendy package. Because these promote movement, coordination and team spirit and are also fun for cool kids.

Jumping rope becomes rope skipping

Rope skipping promotes coordination and endurance. What many don’t know: Those who regularly swing the rope at a young age prevent cardiovascular diseases in old age. It also helps children relieve stress. If you think jumping rope is old-fashioned, you’re wrong: Today there are variations of the schoolyard classic that even little trendsetters are in the mood for again: “You can make an impression on your youngest with the terms rope skipping or double Dutch,” explains DAK spokeswoman Nina Waldheim. “These trendy forms of rope skipping are played in groups of several and are sure to quickly become a hit in the playground.

” In the Double Dutch, the “double punch”, it comes down to concentration and team spirit: Two students facing each other hit two long jump ropes. In the middle, one or more classmates can show off their skills. Shorter ropes can also be used to jump alone, in pairs or even in threes; there are no limits to the imagination.

Baggy pants and cool throws – streetball

Cool kids can play a casual round of streetball during recess. In this variation of the schoolyard classic basketball, both teams play to a basket. “All the players need to bring is fun in motion, marksmanship and team spirit,” explains DAK sports scientist Uwe Dresel. “The game is something for everyone who enjoys technique, tactics and quick steps.” There is now a basketball hoop in many schoolyards.

Gummitwist revival

Once popular especially with girls, now almost forgotten: The schoolyard classic Gummitwist is experiencing a revival thanks to new rubber bands in many bright colors. “This recess game is all about skill, body control and a sense of rhythm,” Dresel explains. The rubber band is stretched around the feet of two students and they’re ready to go: Different sequences of steps are hopped according to a predetermined rhythm. If the jumper makes a mistake by touching the rubber band or accidentally skips a jump, it’s the next person’s turn. Gradually, the height of the jump is increased, and with it the difficulty.

Mobile bouncing

“You can no longer entice children today with bouncing games from your childhood such as ‘Heaven and Hell’ or ‘Snail,'” explains DAK spokeswoman Waldheim. “Instead, ‘cell phone bouncing’ is the way to go.” In this new bouncy box variant, combined number and letter fields are painted on the schoolyard with colorful chalk, just like on the cell phone keypad. Then the task is to correctly hop words called out by classmates. This provides variety and even helps with learning to spell along the way.

“Most recesses are too short for elaborate games,” Waldheim explains. “Schoolyard games also have to do without a lot of materials. That’s precisely why they promote not only agility, but also creativity in students.” And with cool variations on tried-and-true classics, no one is guaranteed to embarrass themselves in front of their classmates.