Movement Breaks: Feedback from Students

In today's ever-changing educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic growth of students. Test scores and academic rigor are important however, a growing body of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as increasing screen time becomes the standard, the demand for purposeful, structured physical activity during the school day is never more important. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule as well as the scientific basis of their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks, are short periods during the school day where students are encouraged to participate with physical activity. The breaks may range from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that require movement. In contrast to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• In place running or jumping jacks
• Stretching or yoga poses
• 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 motives to include movement breaks is their positive effects on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. But, many children do not meet this requirement due to long hours spent sitting in classrooms.

School-based movement breaks Provide a variety of health benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the belief that spending more time in school can lead to better grades studies show that integrating breaks in movement can increase the academic level. Physical activity increases the blood flow to the brain. This delivers nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive functioning.

The key benefits for academics include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased focus on task behavior

The results of studies have shown that students who get breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have better achievement scores than 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 impact a lot of children of school age. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the day can assist to release pent up energy, frustration or worry. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. Physical activity can help these students control their energy levels, improve their executive functioning, and enable them to better perform in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can be anything from simple chair stretching all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that each student can succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during long instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music or themes to engage students.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to lead activities with confidence.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine techniques.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can either facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related tasks they can finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

Contrary to popular belief research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we find enough time to move in an already packed schedule?"

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or during periods that require intense concentration. Even short activities can bring noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

Many movement activities require little space or are done standing beside desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple hand and arm exercises work well in small classrooms.

The Greater Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks, but also about creating a culture in schools that is centered around health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students who are healthier and have more absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Greater teacher satisfaction and lower burnout rates
• Academic results that are more impressive

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

Tips for Getting Started

1. Begin slow: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, but the timing can be adjusted to fit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Is it appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement do not require any equipment or simple items like balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating breaks for exercise into each school day can have a wide array of advantages. The research shows that exercise is essential for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. It is possible to invest in the future of your students whether you are an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Let's make it a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience. Because when students move they learn, develop and flourish.