Keeping Movement Breaks Fresh: Avoiding Repetition

The holistic development of the child is becoming increasingly important in the current rapidly evolving educational landscape. Academic rigor and test scores remain crucial however, a growing body of research reveals a key aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and more screen time are becoming the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity during the school day is never more important. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science of their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short periods within the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activities. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more structured games or exercises, or mindfulness activities. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in classes that are sedentary. They help refocus students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• In place running or jumping jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks for the health of a person is among the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents must engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activities each day. However, many students fall short of this recommendation due to long hours spent in class.

Moving breaks in schools provide a number of health benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Support healthy weight management
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system, and also encourages the development of lifelong healthy habits.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the common belief that spending more time in school results in better grades, research has shown that taking a break in class can boost the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts blood flow to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• More focused the amount of time spent on task.

Research has shown that students who get breaks for movement return to their work with greater concentration and show higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression are a major concern for students who are in school. Movement breaks play a significant part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity throughout the day can help to release the tension, frustration or worry. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD, sensory processing issues or any other specific needs may benefit from a break in their movement. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because they are easily adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the requirements of different age groups and physical abilities as well as learning methods. The types of breaks offered be anything from simple chair stretching up to interactive group exercises. They make sure that every student can thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your day

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories or themes to engage students.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their own favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require these breaks.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Follow the progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve methods.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Studies show that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How do we make the time needed to move, when our schedules are jammed?

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine for transitions between subjects or to recover from intensive concentration. Even short activities can bring significant benefits.

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

Many movement activities require little space or are done sitting at desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even simple hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about personal benefits, it's about fostering a school culture that values well-being, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Higher academic performance

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness activities like social-emotional education as well as nutrition education and programs to combat bullying.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Solicit feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break to move around. But, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to--not a replacement 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 music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is a simple approach that has proven benefits. The research suggests that exercise is essential for a myriad of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is a way to invest in the success of the next generation.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience. Because when students move they learn, develop and prosper.