Exercise during breaks makes for happier pupils

Three years ago there were a few activities during breaks each week. Today there is an activity at every break. Teachers are part of the scheme, and they organise ’Champions’ League’, ’ghostball’ and other activities.

– It has had an effect. There are fewer disputes, the pupils are more relaxed and happier, says Ola Axelsson, headmaster of Ljungdala school, which has pupils from classes F–6.

In 2018 Riksidrottsförbundet ( the Swedish Sports Confederation) initiated the Rörelsesatsning (Focus on Exercise) project to encourage children to be more physically active. Children who are active are able to concentrate better and learn more.

Skåneidrotten trained teachers as exercise coaches. In addition, schools get ideas on how to encourage the pupils to be more active.

The artiste Pidde P is involved in the project. He visits schools all over Sweden. He is a former pupil of Ljungdalaskolan.

– I’ve played a lot of football over there, he says to all the youngsters who have gathered to take part in the project. He starts the music and gets everyone to dance for half an hour.

Then it was time for activities, for which Martin Karlsson is responsible. When he or other teachers are out during breaks, there are fewer conflicts, and disputes die down more quickly.

– Something always happens during a break. Now the pupils know that there is always a safe place to come to, says Martin Karlsson.

There is no compulsion to take part in the activities.

– Some pupils like just walking around at breaks, but they know that they can take part in activities if they wish. We try to vary the activities too, so that there is something to suit everyone at some time during the week, says Ola Axelsson.