Recognizing When Students Need to Move

The overall growth of the student is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving educational environment. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body research highlights an element that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more vital. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are becoming the standard. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis of their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in the Schools?

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

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular physical activity breaks on health is among the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens engage in 60 minutes of physical activity. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and encourages the development of lifelong healthy lifestyles.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school leads to better results, research has demonstrated that taking breaks to move during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• A greater focus on the task

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

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is an increasing concern with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age children. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improved 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 creates positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. They can benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic assignments.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Because they can be easily adapted and customizable, they can be adapted to fit the needs of different age groups and physical abilities as well as learning styles. The types of breaks offered vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They guarantee that each child can succeed.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or playing games in a short time.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories or themes to keep students entertained.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Follow progress: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Breaks for movement are equally important in virtual learning. Teachers can facilitate live sessions of activity on video calls or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

However, research shows that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. The breaks during movement can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or during periods that require intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Many movement activities require little space or can be done standing beside desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even basic hand and arm movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the school culture

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture in schools that promotes health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize movement tend to experience:

• Students with better health and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or programs that combat bullying.

Start with these Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to institute breaks for movement?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes but the frequency can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Breaks in movement aren't an alternative to organized physical education. They are designed to supplement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized to preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating breaks for movement throughout the school day can provide a vast array of advantages. Research shows that movement is important for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or even a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks can be a significant 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 thrive.