Policy Advocacy for Movement Breaks at the State Level

The overall development of the student is becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and more screen time are becoming the standard, the demand for structured, purposeful physical activity throughout the school day is never greater. This guide will discuss why movement breaks are an essential part of any school day, and the benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in Schools?

Motion breaks--also known as brain breaks break, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short breaks during the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activities. They can be anything from short periods of dancing or stretching to more formal exercises, games or mindfulness exercises which require movement. Movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They aid in refocusing students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily movement breaks for the health of a person is one of the most compelling reasons for including them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens take part in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. But, many children fall short of this recommendation due to long hours spent in the classroom.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and helps in the development of lifelong healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the notion that spending more time studying will result in better performance studies show that integrating breaks for movement can increase academic performance. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• An increase in on-task behavior

Studies have found that students who get movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of students who are in school. The role of exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is widely known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity throughout the day can help to release the tension, frustration or worry. This can create a positive classroom atmosphere.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities 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 take on academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities break breaks are designed to guarantee each student is able to thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during lengthy instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are easy to do and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep your students interested.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead breaks with confidence.
• Follow the progress: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine techniques.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Breaks for movement are equally essential during online learning. Teachers can either conduct video-based activities or give students movement tasks they can finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

However, research shows that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule in order to switch between subjects or to recover from intensive concentration. Even short activities can bring significant benefits.

"What if our classroom space is limited?"

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

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the school culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that promotes well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are enhanced
• Higher teacher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout
• Stronger academic outcomes

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

Start with these Tips

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 activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break for movement. However, the duration of breaks can be altered in accordance with the 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 exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective moves require minimal or no equipment, like scarves or music, or even balls.

Incorporating movement breaks into every school day is a simple approach that has proven benefits. Research shows that movement is important for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement is a way to invest in the success of the next generation.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience--because when students move they learn, develop and prosper.