Let’s be real—indoor recess can be rough. The kids are bouncing off the walls, the noise level is creeping higher, and all you want to do is hit play on a video and breathe for five minutes. But… admin says no videos for indoor recess.
Good news: You can use videos, as long as they’re educational and engaging (and you’ll feel totally confident if admin walks in!). Even better? I’ve got super easy, low-prep activities to pair with them so your students stay engaged and learning.
So whether the weather forces you inside, your schedule gets thrown off, or you just need a solid backup plan, you’ll have four admin-approved tools ready to go.
If you’re looking for hands-on, non-screen activities, check out our favorite Indoor Recess Ideas for fun, active options!
Teacher-Approved Video Series for Indoor Recess
When indoor recess sneaks up on you, having a few go-to videos can be a total lifesaver. The key is choosing ones that are engaging, educational, and still feel like a break for the kids. These four options check all the boxes and will keep your students entertained while sneaking in some learning.
1. PBS Kids
PBS Kids is always a safe bet. The content is made for young learners, and the variety means you can find something that fits your group. Shows like Arthur, Curious George, and Clifford keep things light and fun while reinforcing social skills and problem-solving.
Simple activities for PBS Kids videos
- Draw Favorites – After the video, have students draw their favorite scene or character and share why they liked it.
- Character Connections – After watching, have students choose a character and describe how they are similar or different. This can be done through a quick journal entry, a turn-and-talk with a partner, or a whole-class discussion.
- Act It Out – Pick a short scene from the video and have small groups act it out. Encourage them to use the same emotions and expressions as the characters. This is a great way to practice storytelling and comprehension in a fun, low-pressure way.
2. Wild Kratts
Wild Kratts is a crowd favorite, especially for kids who love animals. It mixes real science with adventure, and the best part is that students actually retain the facts they learn.
Simple activities for Wild Kratts videos
- Three Animal Facts – Challenge students to write down three cool animal facts while they watch, then share with a partner.
- Design a Creature Power Suit – After watching, have students create their own Creature Power Suit based on the animal featured in the episode. They can draw their design and label the special abilities their suit would have.
- Animal Habitat Match-Up – Give students a list of different habitats (rainforest, desert, ocean, etc.) and have them match the featured animal to its correct habitat. For an extra challenge, they can name other animals that live in the same environment.
3. Steve Irwin
Steve Irwin shows bring a ton of energy and excitement. His passion for wildlife is contagious, and many students have never seen his episodes before, making them even more captivating.
Simple activities for Steve Irwin videos
- Quick Class Discussion – Ask students what they learned and what animal they’d love to see in real life.
- Would You Rather: Animal Edition – After watching, ask fun “Would You Rather” questions related to the animals in the episode. For example, “Would you rather swim with crocodiles or climb trees with koalas?” Students can share their answers and explain their reasoning.
- Steve Irwin Quote Reflection – Write a famous Steve Irwin quote on the board (such as “Crocodiles are easy. They try to kill and eat you. People are harder.”) and ask students to reflect on what it means. Have them discuss or write about how his passion for animals made a difference in the world.
4. Storyline Online
Storyline Online is a fantastic way to sneak in a literacy moment while still giving kids a break. Celebrities read high-quality picture books aloud, and the production value makes it feel extra special.
Simple activities for Storyline Online videos
- Drawing Prompt – Give students a drawing prompt related to the story, or have them write what they think happens after the book ends
- Five-Word Story Summary – After watching, challenge students to summarize the story using only five words. This helps them focus on the main idea and key details. Have them share their five-word summaries with a partner or the class.
- Character Feelings Chart – Pick a key moment from the story and ask students to describe how the main character felt at that point. They can write a short response or choose an emoji that best represents the character’s emotions and explain why they picked it.
4 Print and Go Reflections that Work With Any Video!
Instead of just pressing play and letting the video run, try adding a quick activity to keep kids engaged and thinking. These easy ideas take almost no prep and help turn screen time into a meaningful learning experience.
Tip: Set yourself up for success! Copy a class set of each template to have on hand for those indoor recess days or awkward transition times when videos are a lifesaver.
- Five-Word Video Summary
- Character Feelings Tracker
- Video Reflection Exit Ticket
- Compare & Contrast: Video vs. Real Life
Make videos more interactive and educational without adding extra planning for you!
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