Recognizing When Students Need to Move

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape The spotlight is now shifting to the overall development of students. Academic rigor and test scores remain crucial, but a growing body of research reveals a key factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are becoming the commonplace. This guide will discuss the reasons why breaks for movement are essential to every school day, what benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks are short periods in the school day when students are encouraged to participate with physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions of sedentary class time intended to boost students' energy and refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily exercise breaks on the health of a person is one of the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activities each day. However, many students aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent sitting in classrooms.

School-based movement breaks Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and encourages the growth of healthy habits.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the belief that more time on academics can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating movement breaks can actually improve academic performance. Physical activity increases the flow of blood to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

Key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased the amount of time spent on task.

Research has shown that students who receive breaks for movement return to their work with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental wellbeing of students is a growing concern, with anxiety, stress, and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and promoting mental well-being is well-known.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released to make you feel good
• Teamwork and social interaction

Exercise during the school day provides a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger, or worry, helping to create a more positive school environment.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. They benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, increasing their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your schedule

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories or themes to entice students.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. Movement breaks are equally important. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity via video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

Research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in class. Movement breaks are an Investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we find the time to move during an already packed schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule, either to transition between topics or after intensive concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

"What is the best course to take if space is limited?"

Some activities can be performed standing next to desks or in a small space. In small classrooms, sitting stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on School Culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about personal benefits, it's about fostering an environment that promotes health, well-being, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness initiatives such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning can be aligned with the breaks in your exercise.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and build from there.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Get feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools should take a 30 minute break to walk around. But, the duration of breaks can be altered in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. The movement breaks aren't an alternative to organized physical education. They are intended to complement it.

Are movements suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient exercises require no or little equipment, such as scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating breaks to move into the daily school routine could provide a broad array of advantages. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research that movement is important. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the next generation's success.

Making movement a vital aspect of the school day for every student. Learners develop and flourish by moving.