Setting Goals for Physical Activity in Schools

In today's rapidly evolving educational environment the spotlight is shifting to the overall growth of students. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time is becoming the norm. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis of their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Motion breaks--also known as brain breaks activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short breaks during the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness-based activities. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in the same
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks on health is among the most compelling reasons for including these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and teens should engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activity daily. But, many children fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

School breaks during movement can provide a variety of health benefits:

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

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

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking breaks to move during class can improve the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased the amount of time spent on task.

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and score higher over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age children. Movement breaks play a significant role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical activity you do during the day can help to release pent up energy anger, stress or anxiety. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from breaks in movement. Physical activity can help students manage their energy levels, improve executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities movement breaks guarantee each student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are easy to do and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine techniques.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally important in virtual learning. Teachers may facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

Studies show that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Movement breaks are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

How do we find the time needed to move, when our schedules are so jam-packed?

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or during times of intense focus. Even a short activity can provide noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

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

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about creating a culture in schools that values well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize movement tend to experience:

• Students with better health and less absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Greater satisfaction with the teacher and lower burnout rates
• Stronger academic outcomes

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness activities, such as social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs to combat bullying.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
2. Be constant. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movements suitable for all ages of children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient moves require no or little equipment, such as scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating breaks to move into each school day can have a wide variety of benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom The research proves that movement is crucial. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the next generation's success.

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