Objectives
- Describe healthy ways to relax during the day to refresh your energy.
Lesson Plan
The lessons in this unit teach kids that recharge is all about energy—and that your energy is a key influencer of healthy choices. You recharge your energy two ways:
- Sleep 9–12 hours each night to restore energy.
- Relax and do a quiet activity without screen time (e.g., draw, write, read, do puzzles, etc.).
Set The Stage
Sometimes when we’ve been sitting for too long, we can get tired and groggy. Let’s think of some ways we can clear our minds and recharge for the rest of the day. Write the alphabet on a poster and try to come up with 26 different ways to recharge without a screen during the day (e.g., Admire works of art, Balance on one foot, Create a collage, etc.).
To use this with your students click here.
Captivate
Consider the Best Way to Recharge Things
People are not the only ones who need to recharge their energy from time to time. Help your students match the object with the best recharge choice.
Educate
Brainstorming Relaxing Ways to Recharge
Explain that your body needs to relax for short periods of time to recharge during the day. Examples of ways to relax include quiet activities, such as stretching, reading, listening to music, drawing, and walking. Screen time is not relaxation. It stimulates brain activity rather than recharge the body.
Check for understanding: Take time to _ _ _ _ _ during the day to refresh your energy!
Activate
Make a Take-a-Break Basket
Students plan ways they will relax to refresh their energy by making a Take a Break Basket.
Students name things they can use for quiet time, such as: art supplies, writing materials, board games, playing cards, books, music, or puzzles. They may list or draw items, using the Take a Break Basket printable.
Close the Lesson
Take the time each day to step back from the stress of a full day and relax. Recharge your body and mind, so you can be your best at school, with your friends, and at home.
Grade: 3-5
Time: 20 Minutes
What You'll Need
Resources
Materials
- Slideshow
- Poster Board or White Board
- Markers
Health Education Standards
- Standard 1: Core Concepts - Get an appropriate amount of sleep and rest.
- Standard 4: Interpersonal Communication
- Standard 5: Decision-Making
Social and Emotional Learning Competencies
- Responsible Decision-Making
Extend the Lesson
- Play the fitGame, Energy Tag.
- Do a fitBoost or a fitFlow yoga. Have kids talk about their energy before and after each activity.
- Follow along with the fit Workout:Yoga Flow video for a quick relaxation activity.
- Read Bedtime Relaxation for Kids to learn about different ways to help kids relax before bed to get a great night's sleep.
- Watch the video, The Art of Recharging, to learn more about healthy ways to recharge your energy.