Do you need a BREAK?
by Deb Thomas
Be sure to schedule breaks into your training.
Rule of thumb: For every 1½ hours of lecture, provide a 10-15 minute break or a change in routine.
When should you schedule breaks?
- Every 1½ to 2 hours.
- Right after a module, unit or lesson of instruction.
- If it’s a full day class, schedule time for a lunch break as well as one break in the morning and one in the afternoon.
- Breaks are typically 10-15 minutes in length. Participants need time to use the restroom, make a telephone call, check e-mail or just stretch and walk around.
Let participants know exactly when to return from break. For example: “Its 10:15 right now - enjoy your break but please return promptly at 10:30, as we will be ready to continue class.”
- Use a timer (such as an egg timer) so everyone knows what time to return and how long they have left for the break.
- To help control the “straggling in syndrome,” schedule your breaks to stop and start at odd times, 10:17 AM, for example, and last for an uneven number of minutes, say 13 minutes.
- Have the participants determine “consequences” for late arrivals.
What if you fall behind and don’t have time for a break?
- Ask participants to stand up and stretch: Say “Let’s do a quick ‘pick-me-up’.” Ask them to take a deep breath, stretch both arms out and clap their hands or shake their bodies to get the kinks out. It takes no more than 2 minutes and energy is restored in the room.
- Evaluate your options: Can you cut out an activity? Are there “nice to know” sections you can cover more briefly than originally planned? Cut out breaks, or shorten them? Can the class run longer than originally planned?
- Be honest with the participants: Let them know that you have fallen behind schedule. Suggest ways to make up the time, handle group discussions at end of class, shorten an afternoon break, or speed up the pace of the class.
Deborah Thomas is the owner of Silly Monkey. Deborah Thomas is an expert in developing powerful game-based serious play learning design. SillyMonkey motto: Learn fast, remember more and have fun doing it! www.sillymonkeyinternational.com.
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