Building Student Choice into Movement Breaks

The holistic development of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing education system. While academic rigor and scores on tests are still important, increasing body research highlights an element which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as increasing screen time becomes the norm, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day is never more urgent. This guide will discuss why movement breaks are essential to every school day, and the advantages they bring, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short breaks during the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activities. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness-based activities. Breaks for movement, in contrast to physical education classes that follow a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in the class's sedentary time. They aid in refocusing students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in the same
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why it is important to break the movement of a person: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular exercise breaks for the health of a person is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise activity daily. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

Moving breaks in schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Improve your the cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and helps you maintain good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the notion that more time on academics can lead to better grades Research has shown that incorporating movement breaks can actually enhance the academic level. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for the functioning of the brain.

The most important academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• A greater focus on the task

Studies have found that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks with greater focus and demonstrate greater achievement scores when compared with those without such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression are a major concern for youngsters of school age. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is well known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the school hours provides an outlet for the accumulated energy, frustration, or worry, helping to create a positive classroom environment.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD or sensory processing problems or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. Physical activity can help students manage their energy levels, boost executive function, and better perform in academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities, break breaks are designed to make sure that that every child gets the chance to excel.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it! Use music, stories, or themes to get students involved.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can either lead video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related challenges to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

However studies show that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The movement breaks are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

"How do we find enough time to move in the midst of a busy schedule?"

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or following time that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a smaller space. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or even simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The impact of movement breaks on the School Culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about personal benefits, it's about building a school culture that values wellbeing, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students with better health and more absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and programs to combat bullying.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be adjusted to suit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movements appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities do not require any equipment or simple objects like balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is a simple approach that has proven advantages. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear: movement matters. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you're an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a policymaker.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve and prosper.