Building Movement Breaks into IEPs

In today's ever-changing education system The spotlight is now shifting to the overall development of students. Test scores and academic rigor are important however, a growing amount 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 a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day has never been more urgent. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a cornerstone of any school's daily routine and uncover the science that explains their advantages, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also called breaks for the brain break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day when students are required to participate in physical activities. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness-based activities. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to an established curriculum, are often and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They help refocus students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily movement 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 get 60 minutes of daily physical activity. However, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health advantages:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and encourages healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that more time spent in school leads to better scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance academic performance . Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, which delivers nutrients and oxygen that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

Its primary academic benefits include:

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

The results of studies have shown that students who get breaks for movement return to their work with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression impact a lot of students who are in school. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is widely known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to make you feel good
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during school day can provide an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger, or worry, helping to create a more positive classroom environment.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or any other specific needs may benefit from a break in their movement. Students with these conditions can benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, increasing their executive functioning and completing academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks are easily modified to meet the requirements of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They guarantee that each student can thrive.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your schedule

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as running, jumping, or quick games.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep your students interested.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate these breaks.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. The breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can conduct live activity sessions via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

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

"How do we make the time to move during a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or during periods that require intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide significant advantages.

"What if our classroom space isn't enough?"

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or can be done sitting at desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple hand and arm exercises are effective in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about personal benefits, it's about building a school culture that values wellbeing, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that emphasize movement tend to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• 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.

Tips to get started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement movement breaks?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes, but the timing can be adjusted to fit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical fitness to improving wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research that movement is crucial. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine can be a significant investment in the future of our children's success.

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