Celebrating Success: Awards for Active Classrooms

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic development of students. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and more screen time are becoming the norm, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity throughout the school day has never been greater. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a key element of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science that explains their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods of time during school hours when students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, or other structured games or exercises, or mindfulness exercises. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to re-energize students and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place or jumping Jacks
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend in class.

School breaks during movement can provide a variety of health benefits:

• Enhance the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Help with weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that spending more time in school leads to better grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance academic performance . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients that are essential to cognitive function.

The main academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• An increase in the amount of time spent on task.

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

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many youngsters who are in school. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional Benefits include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Endorphins release to create a positive feeling
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the school day can provide an outlet for the accumulated anger, frustration or anxiety, assisting to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or other special needs. Students with these conditions will benefit from exercise in regulating their energy levels, improving executive function and participating in academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Since movement breaks can be easily adapted, they can be tailored to meet the requirements of various age groups and physical abilities as well as learning style. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, breaks in the form of movement make sure that that every child has the opportunity to excel.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your day

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate these breaks.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers can facilitate live activities via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

On the contrary, research shows that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we find time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or following times of intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

"What if our classroom space is limited?"

Certain activities can be done sitting next to desks or in a small space. In small classrooms, sitting stretches, chair-yoga, or simple arm and hand exercises can be beneficial.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on School Culture

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture in schools that promotes wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness programs, such as nutrition education, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning could be linked to breaks for movement.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to implement movement breaks?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Is movement suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized to preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements require no equipment or only simple items like balls, scarves or even music.

Incorporating movement breaks into every schoolday is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research that movement is important. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the next generation's success.

Let's make it a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience--because when students move they learn, improve and prosper.