How Movement Breaks Help Students with ADHD

In today's rapidly evolving educational environment the spotlight is shifting to the overall student's development. Test scores and academic rigor remain important however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more important. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the norm. This guide will explain the reasons why breaks for movement are an important part of every school day, what benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for administrators and teachers.

What are the definitions of movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also known as brain breaks activities breaks, brain breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short breaks during the school day when students are required to participate in physical activity. They can be anything from short periods of dancing or stretching to more organized games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities that require moving. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined program, the 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
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular physical activity breaks for the health of a person is among the most compelling reasons for including them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. But, many children do not meet this requirement due to long hours spent in class.

School-based movement breaks Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school leads to better results, research has demonstrated that taking a break during class can improve academic performance . Exercise increases circulation of blood to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more concentrated and have higher scores than those who do not.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many youngsters of school age. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is widely known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Exercise during the school hours provides a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger or anxiety, assisting to create a more positive school environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

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

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because they are adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the needs of various age groups and physical abilities as well as learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, breaks in the form of movement guarantee that every child is able to succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate these breaks.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can either facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks they can do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

However, research shows that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive, and more productive during lessons. The movement breaks are an investment in learning, not distracting.

How can we fit in the time needed to move, when our schedule is so packed?

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or after time that require intense concentration. Even brief activity provides tangible benefits.

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

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a small space. In smaller classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or simple arm and hand exercises can be beneficial.

The impact of movement breaks on School Culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about personal benefits, it's about fostering the school's culture of health, well-being and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• School spirit and community involvement are enhanced
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

Other wellness initiatives such as bullying prevention, nutrition education, social-emotional training, and social-emotional learning can be incorporated into the breaks in your exercise.

Tips to get started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and increase it from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Get feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools have a 30-minute break for movement. But, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are movements appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only simple items like scarves, balls, or even music.

Incorporating movement breaks into every school day is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. Research shows that physical activity is crucial for many reasons which include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing regular breaks in your routine is a way to invest in the future of our children's success.

Include movement as an integral aspect of the school day for all students. Learners grow and thrive by moving.