Why Small Games Are Perfect for Kids' Quick Breaks

Introduction

Kids these days have to balance their studies, extracurriculars, and also ensure proper learning. While this is truly one of the most exciting phases of life, it can also be a bit challenging. With the right kind of support from parents and educators, kids find their grounding and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

A common challenge that educators and parents might face is keeping kids focused. Moreover, long hours of study and coaching may make a child too drained to focus on any of these activities. As per NIH, proper focus is instrumental in enhancing retention among children. It may enhance a child's self-confidence and also improve their understanding of the concept.

An effective strategy to overcome these problems is to take some quick play breaks in between. These may help a child rejuvenate their mind and also make them more motivated to get back to their routine.

Why Small Games Are Perfect as Small Study Breaks

A quick play break can be defined as a small interval of time lasting 10 to 15 minutes. It is structured between a child's learning activities. These can be engaging, playful, and creative, depending upon the child's choice. They do not break the flow of learning and can act as rewards for kids to complete their tasks. Here are some of the top reasons why small play breaks should be encouraged.

Better Attention

As per the brain sciences, kids who take short breaks in between their study sessions display enhanced cognitive abilities. But taking small breaks in between, children may be able to focus more and reduce stress. It may also enhance a child's decision-making ability and help them return to studies with heightened concentration. Post a break, children may observe an enhanced ability to focus on content and remember more information that they were able to previously. There may be less distraction and higher satisfaction levels while studying.

Enhanced Memory

Many times, due to continuous study sessions, the brain may not be able to absorb enough information. According to brain sciences, play can enhance mental stimulation involved with memory formation and retention. During breaks, kids may indulge themselves in multiple sensory activities. This may help in solidifying the new information that they have just received before the break. The multisensory engagement may also enhance neural connections.

Improved Creativity

Playing different types of games may also help a child become more imaginative and enhance their problem-solving skills. Parents can think of small yet creative activities such as painting, colouring, reading a short story, and other such things to develop flexible thinking skills. All of these can be essential for problem-solving in their academics and in other parts of life as well. As per NIH, both virtual and in person games can enhance innovative thinking if played in regulation.

Reduced Stress

According to a Cureus published in 2023, continued academic pressure may lead to anxiety and panic attacks among kids. It may negatively impact their ability to remember and focus. Taking a quick play, break in between acts as a stress reliever and promotes physical and mental movement. This may help in the release of endorphins. Stress can be detrimental for kids specifically when they're studying. To truly retain what a child has read, it is important for kids to be happy while they're learning. Thus, breaks may ensure higher levels of satisfaction and optimal mental level.

Promotes Social Interaction

While studying in groups, educators and parents may promote play breaks in groups. During these sessions, kids may work in teams to play a game or resolve a particular problem. This may promote social interaction, collaborative learning, and contribute to better emotional intelligence. Learning how to share and overcome group conflicts is an important part of learning. Kids may also develop better language skills, enhance their knowledge about the outer world, and learn to understand the perspective of other people.

Developed Motor Skills

Motor skill learning is an essential part of growing up. It may impact a child's hand-eye coordination, spiritual awareness, balance, and overall coordination in the body. According to the Author Manuscript, active play breaks can support a child to succeed in areas such as computer usage, handwriting, sports, and other areas as well. A child may become more comfortable with using different body parts, all at once to achieve an objective.

Reward-Based Learning

Play breaks can act as a small reward at the end of a learning session for kids to stay motivated. Conditioning kids to stay active during their learning time through a reward-based system is also a positive way to enhance participation. The child may feel valued by the end of the process and show better energy levels to get back to studying once again.

Conclusion

Teachers and parents can try integrating small play breaks by scheduling them in between learning sessions and specific tasks. Not only are they good for a child's cognitive development, but they may also support physical development.