Communicating the Value of Movement Breaks to Stakeholders

The holistic growth of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational environment. Test scores and academic rigor remain important, but a growing body of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activity throughout the school day has never been greater. This guide will explain the reason why break time is essential to every school day, and the benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies 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 during school hours when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. They can be a time for stretching, dancing, more structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. Breaks for movement, in contrast to physical education classes that follow an established curriculum, are often and short interruptions in classes that are sedentary. They aid in refocusing students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping Jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is their positive effects on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise activity daily. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system and helps you maintain lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the notion that more time on academics will result in better performance Research has shown that incorporating breaks for movement can improve the academic level. Exercise increases circulation of blood to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients that are vital for brain function.

The key benefits for academics include:

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

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and have higher scores than those who do not.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age children. The movement breaks play an important role in helping to regulate emotions and well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and create a positive feeling
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

Physical activity during the day can assist to release pent up energy anger, stress or anxiety. This will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from movement breaks. Physical activity can help students manage their energy levels, enhance executive function, and better take on academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They make sure that every student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your daily routine

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping, or quick games.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve methods.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers may lead video-based activity sessions or give students movement challenges to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The movement breaks are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

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

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into interludes between subjects, or following periods of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

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

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

The Impact of School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that values well-being, health, and lifelong education. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness programs, such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional learning can be incorporated into movement breaks.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing breaks for movement?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for structured exercise. They are intended to complement it.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement require no equipment or only simple items like scarves, balls, or music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is a simple approach that has proven benefits. The research shows that movement is important for many reasons that include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks can be a significant investment in the next generation's success.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience. Because when students move, they learn, grow and prosper.