Movement Breaks: Feedback from Students

In today's ever-changing educational landscape the spotlight is shifting to the overall growth of students. While academic rigor and scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more important. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are becoming the commonplace. This guide will explore the reason why break time is an important part of every school day, what advantages they bring, and offer 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 short breaks during the school day where students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. These breaks can range from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises which require movement. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education that adhere to an established curriculum, are often, short interruptions of the class's sedentary time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why movement breaks matter The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is their positive effects on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical movement each day. However, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and helps in the creation of long-term healthy lifestyles.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the notion that spending more time in school leads to better results studies show that integrating breaks for movement can improve academic performance. Exercise increases circulation of blood to your brain. This helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that are essential to brain function.

The key academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• An increase in focus on task behavior

Research has shown that students who get breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression are a major concern for children who are in school. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and promoting mental well-being is well-known.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

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

All students benefit from breaks in movement

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. Physical activity can help students control their energy levels, enhance their executive functioning, and enable them to better perform in academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks are easily modified to meet the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities, movement breaks guarantee every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories, or themes to keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Breaks for movement are equally essential during online learning. Teachers can conduct live activity sessions through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

Research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not an interruption.

How do we find the time needed to move, when our schedule is so packed?

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine for transitions between different topics or following intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

"What do we do if our classroom isn't enough?"

Many movement activities require little space or are done standing beside desks. In small classrooms, sitting yoga, stretches in a chair, or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Greater Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture in schools that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Students with healthier health and more absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower burnout rates
• Higher academic performance

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

Tips to Get Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and build from there.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to implement breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break to walk around. But, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for regular exercise. They are intended to supplement it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for all ages?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for elementary school children, preschoolers middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating movement breaks into every schoolday is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. Research shows that physical activity is crucial for a myriad of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the next generation's success.

Include movement as an integral part of the school experience for every student. Learners develop and prosper when they move.