Fostering a Culture of Movement in Schools

In today's ever-changing educational environment the spotlight is turning to the holistic growth of students. Academic rigor and test scores are important however, a growing body of research has revealed a vital aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the standard. This guide will explain why movement breaks are an important part of every school day, and the benefits they offer and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks break, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are brief periods during the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, or other structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow an established curriculum, are often, short interruptions of sedentary class time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

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

Why it is important to break the movement of a person: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is their positive impact on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of physical activity. Many students do not adhere to this advice because they spend long hours in school.

Moving breaks in schools provide a number of health benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Help with weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the notion that spending more time in school will result in better performance, research shows that integrating breaks in movement can enhance the academic level. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are crucial to cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased focus on task behavior

Studies have found that students who are given breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age children. Movement breaks play a significant role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

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

Physical activity during the school hours provides an opportunity to release any excess 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

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or other special needs. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the requirements of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, movement breaks make sure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music, or themes to engage students.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking movement breaks.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Monitor the progress: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine methods.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers may facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related challenges to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in classes. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we make the time to move if our schedule is so packed?

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule, either to transition between different topics or following an intense focus. Even a short activity can provide noticeable benefits.

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

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a small space. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple hand and arm movements are effective in small classrooms.

The impact of movement breaks on the School Culture

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks; it's also about creating a culture in schools that promotes well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Improved overall student health and less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness initiatives, such as social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs to combat bullying.

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 regular: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
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 start introducing movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break for movement. But, the frequency of breaks is adjustable 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 exercise breaks suitable for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or basic items such as scarves, balls, or even music.

Incorporating breaks for exercise into each school day can have a wide variety of benefits. Research shows that movement is important for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behaviour. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you are an administrator or teacher, a parent or a policymaker.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of each student's school experience. Because when students move they learn, develop and prosper.