How Movement Breaks Help Students with ADHD

The holistic development of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing education system. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time is becoming the norm. This guide will discuss why movement breaks are an essential part of any school day, what benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for administrators and teachers.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks, are short periods during school hours when students are encouraged to participate with physical activity. They can be a time for stretching, dancing, more organized games, exercises or mindfulness activities. Unlike physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to re-energize students and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in the same
• 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

The positive effect of regular physical activity breaks on health is one of the most compelling reasons for including them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise activity daily. However, many students aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent in class.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve your fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

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

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the common belief that spending more time in school leads to better results, research has demonstrated that taking a break during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients which are vital to cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

According to research that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more concentrated and score higher than those who do not.

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 of school age. Movement breaks play a significant role in helping to regulate emotions and well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the day can help to let go of any tension anger, stress or anxiety. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), problems with sensory processing or any other needs. Physical activity can help students regulate their energy levels, enhance executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the requirements of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches through interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories or themes to keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Follow the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Movement breaks are equally crucial. Teachers may conduct video-based activities or assign students tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

Research has shown that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Breaks for movement are an investment into learning and not a distraction.

How can we fit in the time needed to move, when our schedules are so jam-packed?

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine for transitions between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even brief activity provides noticeable advantages.

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

Some exercises can be completed at desks, or in a small space. In small classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about individual benefits; it's about fostering an environment that promotes wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

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

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and build from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to introduce movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break for movement. However, the duration of breaks can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

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 efficient moves require little or no equipment, like scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is a simple, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching advantages. The research shows that physical activity is crucial for many reasons, including improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. If you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the next generation's success.

Making movement a vital part of the school experience for every student. Learners develop and thrive when they move.