Building Community Support for Movement Break Initiatives

The holistic development of the child is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving educational environment. While academic rigor and scores on tests are still important, increasing body research highlights an element that is often ignored: 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 is never more urgent. This guide will explore the reasons why breaks for movement are an important part of every school day, and the benefits they offer and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks are short periods in the school day when students are encouraged engage with physical activity. The breaks may range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities which require movements. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined schedule, these breaks are short, frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

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

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily exercise breaks on the health of a person is among the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage 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 breaks during movement offer several health advantages:

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and promotes lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

In contrast to the popular belief that more time spent in school results in better grades, research has shown that taking a break during class can improve the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers nutrients and oxygen which are vital to cognitive function.

The main benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• A greater focus on the task

Studies have found that students who are given breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many children of school age. Movement breaks play a significant role in supporting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can help to release pent up energy and stress. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing challenges, or other special needs. Physical activity can help these students regulate their energy levels, improve executive function, and better take on academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because they can be easily adapted and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the requirements of different ages, physical abilities, and learning methods. From simple chair stretching to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to guarantee each student gets the chance to succeed.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require little equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories or themes to entice students.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of movement breaks.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as essential during online learning. Teachers can facilitate live activities on video calls or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

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

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

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into transitions between subjects or after time that require intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

"What do we do if our classroom is limited?"

Some activities can be performed standing next to 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

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize movement tend to experience:

• Students who are healthier and have less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as bullying prevention, nutrition education and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional learning can be incorporated into movement breaks.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and build from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break to move around. However, the duration of breaks can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is movement suitable for all ages of children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective movements require little or no equipment, such as scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is a simple approach that has proven benefits. Research shows that movement is important for many reasons, including improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. It is possible to invest in the future of your students whether you are a teacher or administrator, a parent or a policymaker.

Make movement an essential element of school life for every student. Learners develop and flourish when they move.