How Movement Breaks Can Support Trauma-Informed Classrooms

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the overall student's development. Academic rigor and test scores remain crucial however, a growing body of research has revealed a vital element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more vital. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are becoming the standard. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science that explains their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks are brief periods of time during school hours when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. These breaks can range from short periods of stretching or dancing to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises that require movements. In contrast to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to re-energize students and refresh their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive effects on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation due to long hours spent sitting in classrooms.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health advantages:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and encourages the creation of long-term healthy lifestyles.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that more time spent in school leads to better results, research has demonstrated that taking a break in class can boost the academic level of students . Physical activity increases the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen which are vital for the functioning of the brain.

The main academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Increased focus on task

The results of studies have shown that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have greater achievement scores when compared with those who don't get such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression are a major concern for children of school age. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is widely known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and collaboration

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

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. Physical activity can help these students regulate their energy levels, improve executive function, and help them better perform in academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. Breaks for movement can vary from simple stretches on the chair up to interactive group exercises. They make sure that each student can succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories, or themes to keep students engaged.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

On the contrary research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not distracting.

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

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine, either to transition between subjects or to recover from intensive concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed standing beside desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

It's not just about personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that is centered around well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that emphasize exercise are likely to have:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness initiatives, such as social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and anti-bullying programs.

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. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes but the frequency can be adjusted to fit each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior It's clear from the research that movement is crucial. It is possible to invest in the future of your children, whether you're a teacher or administrator, a parent or a politician.

Make movement an essential part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, develop and prosper when they move.