Movement Breaks for Remote and Virtual Classrooms

In today's rapidly evolving education system, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the holistic development of students. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are now the commonplace. This guide will explore the reasons why breaks for movement are essential to every school day, and the advantages they bring and give practical suggestions for administrators and teachers.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also called breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day when students are motivated to engage in physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined schedule, these breaks are brief, regular interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in the same
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular exercise breaks for the health of a person is among the main reasons to incorporate these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children get 60 minutes of daily exercise. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation because they are occupied for too many hours in the classroom.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Increase fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system, and also encourages the creation of long-term healthy habits.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school results in better grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks in class can boost the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts blood flow to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• An increase in focus on task behavior

Research has shown that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks with greater focus and demonstrate greater achievement scores when compared with those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

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

Physical activity during school hours provides an opportunity to release any excess energy, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a positive classroom environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. Physical activity can help these students control their energy levels, enhance executive function, and help them better participate in academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Since movement breaks can be easily adapted and customizable, they can be adapted to fit the needs of various age groups, physical abilities, and learning methods. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities movement breaks guarantee that every child has the opportunity to excel.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your day

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during long instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require no equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it: Use music, stories or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate these breaks.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Track progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can conduct live activities through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

Research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not distracting.

How can we fit in time to move when our schedules are jammed?

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or after time that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed standing beside desks. In small classrooms, sitting yoga, stretches in a chair, or even simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about creating a culture in schools that values health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Improved overall student health and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are enhanced
• Higher satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are stronger

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness activities like social-emotional education, nutrition education, and programs that combat bullying.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and increase it from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools have a 30-minute break to move around. But, the duration of breaks can be altered depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for organized physical education. They are intended to enhance it.

Is movement suitable for all ages of children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just simple items like balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating movements into your school day is an easy approach that has proven advantages. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior It's clear from the research: movement matters. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the future of our children's success.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience--because when students move they learn, develop and flourish.