Online learning takes its toll. Six to seven hours of remote or distance learning screen time per day is a LOT. Let’s face it: everyone needs breaks from online learning! My kids are wiggling and whining and squirming on their chairs by hour two, and their breaks aren’t long enough for much relief. Keeping kids on task during online learning is hard enough, and physical activity away from the screen is crucial—how about taking the dog for a quick lap around the block or shooting a few hoops in the driveway?—but if your kids only have a couple minutes, here’s what to cue up for a ‘brain break’ indoors.
Distance learning tips: Best apps to use during breaks from online learning:
Calm
Calm is my favorite, because it offers something for the whole family. I like to use the 10 minute meditations, but young kids can do a ‘mood check in’ in just a few seconds. There’s also a ‘thankfulness’ check in that prompts families to list things to be grateful for, and sleep stories aimed specifically for kids at bedtime. Calm comes with a rather hefty fee, but you can try it for free, then use it for the entire household.
7 minute workout
This app is exactly what it sounds like: pre-loaded workouts that are guaranteed to be done in seven minutes. We can all do anything for seven minutes, right? Great for breaks from online learning, 7 Minute workout isn’t aimed specifically to kids, but the routines are easy to follow and focus on movements like squats, wall sits, and jumping jacks.
Stop, Breathe, and Think Kids
Like Calm, but just for kids. Stop, Breathe, and Think Kids engage children with fun, bright graphics and breaks meditation sessions into ‘missions’ kids can complete. Aimed for kids 6-10 or so, it helps kids reflect on their emotions and check in with themselves periodically through the day.
GoNoodle
Similar to Stop, Breathe, and Think, GoNoodle adds more movement, with videos created by child development experts. Best of all, it’s free, and all the video games operate with body movement in mind (you have to wave your arms to move the airplane, for instance).
Sworkit Kids
Want a workout app designed specifically for kids? Sworkit Kids offers a variety of workout options, including strength training, agility, and flexibility and balance. Parents or kids can choose the length of the workout, which ranges from five minutes to a full hour. The movements are all demonstrated by kids, which is a thoughtful plus. This is a great app for older school-aged kids who don’t require a lot of gimmicks and points to get them motivated.
SuperStretch Yoga
This yoga-specific kid app teaches yoga moves from animated characters. Kids can work through the app from start to finish (storybook style), or can pick their poses (there are over 75 combinations). SuperStretch aims to encourage not only heath, but mindfulness and playfulness in children.
BearFocus Timer
This productivity app is good for classroom time AND break time. If you child has only a few minutes between classes, they can set the BearFocus timer for a coloring session, puzzle time, or reading. During homework sessions, the timer will reward focus without an extra screen (you put your phone screen flat on the table).
Lazy Monster
In this fitness app, a cute, animated monster leads kids through the moves, and there are several seven-minute workouts available. Plus, having the word ‘lazy’ in the name makes this app feel less intimidating to kids who may resist fitness. They can pick the basic ‘lazy workout’, which offers simple moves like running in place and squats, and advance to the ‘super hero workout’ in time.
Do you know of an app that helps kids blow off steam and get fit during breaks from online learning? How about one that helps them manage their screen time? Share in the comments!
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