Lessons Learned: Implementing a Movement Break Program

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape The spotlight is now shifting to the overall growth of students. Test scores and academic rigor remain important however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more important. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are now the norm. This guide will explore why movement breaks are essential to every school day, and the advantages they bring and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also called breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short breaks during the school day during which students are required to participate in physical activities. These breaks can include stretching, dancing, more structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. Breaks for movement, in contrast to physical education classes that follow an established curriculum, are often, short interruptions of the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is their positive impact on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent in the classroom.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

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

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

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the common belief that spending more time in school leads to better scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Focus on the task is increased.

Studies have found that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than those who don't get such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age children. The role of exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is widely known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to release the tension, frustration or worry. This can create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and difficulties with sensory processing, or other special needs. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, improve executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. The types of breaks offered vary from simple stretches on the chair through interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each child can thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require little equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Establish guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate these breaks.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to lead activities with confidence.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

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

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

However, research shows that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive, and more efficient during lessons. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How do we make the time to move if our schedules are so jam-packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into transitions between subjects or after time that require intense concentration. Even short activities can bring significant advantages.

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

Many movement activities require little space or can be done sitting at desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

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

• Students with better health and less absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• Higher satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness initiatives including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or programs that combat bullying.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute breaks for movement?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be adjusted to suit each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Movement breaks are not an alternative to organized physical education. They are designed to enhance it.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

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. A lot of effective activities for movement do not require any equipment or simple objects like balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching advantages. Research shows that movement is important for many reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a policymaker.

Making movement a vital part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, develop and prosper when they move.