Movement Breaks and Social Emotional Learning

The holistic growth of the student is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. Test scores and academic rigor remain important, but a growing body of research has revealed a vital factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity during the school day is never greater. In this guide we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a cornerstone of any school's daily routine and uncover the science that explains their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Motion breaks--also called breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day during which students are required to participate in physical activities. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that require movement. Unlike physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set curriculum, movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions of sedentary class time intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks for health is one of the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent in class.

School breaks during movement offer several health benefits:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system, and also encourages the development of lifelong healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that spending more time in school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking breaks to move in class can boost the academic level of students . Exercise increases circulation of blood to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

The main academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Focus on the task is increased.

Research has shown that students who get breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for youngsters of school age. The importance of regular exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

The physical activity you do during the day can help to release the tension anger, stress or anxiety. This will create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for students with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or any other needs. Physical activity can help students manage their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities, breaks in the form of movement ensure every student is able to thrive.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Monitor the progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers can lead live activity sessions via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

On the contrary research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Breaks for movement are an Investment in learning, not an interruption.

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

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into transitions between subjects or after times that require intense concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

Some activities can be performed at desks, or in a tiny space. In small classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The impact of movement breaks on the school culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about personal benefits, it's about building the school's culture of wellbeing, health, and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have lower absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are enhanced
• More teacher satisfaction and lower burnout rates
• Stronger academic outcomes

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning can be aligned with breaks for movement.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and build from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your daily 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 accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to introduce breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored to preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities need no equipment, or just basic items such as balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating movements into your school day is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical fitness to improving the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior The research proves that movement is crucial. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you're a teacher or administrator, a parent or a policymaker.

Let's make moving a mandatory part of every student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve and flourish.