Building Student Choice into Movement Breaks

The holistic development of the child is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving educational landscape. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increasing screen time becomes the norm, the need for structured, purposeful physical activities during the school day is never greater. This guide will explore the reason why break time is an important part of every school day, and the benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies for administrators and teachers.

What are the Movement Breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks, are brief periods of time during the school day where students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. They can be a time for stretching, dancing, more structured games or exercises, or mindfulness exercises. Unlike physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed curriculum, movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time intended to boost students' energy and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in the same
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily movement breaks on the health of a person is among the most compelling reasons for including them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activities each day. But, many children aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Improve your fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and promotes lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the belief that more time on academics will result in better performance, research shows that integrating movement breaks can actually increase the academic level. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients which are vital for the functioning of the brain.

The main academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• An increase in focus on task behavior

Research has shown that students who receive breaks for movement return to their work with greater focus and demonstrate greater achievement scores when compared with students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. The movement breaks play an important role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can assist to let go of any tension and stress. This can create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from breaks in movement. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, improve their executive functioning, and enable them to better participate in academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair up to interactive group exercises. They make sure that each child can succeed.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are easy to do and require no equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it: Make use of stories, music or themes to entice students.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Movement breaks are equally crucial. Teachers can either lead video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks to do 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 class. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we make time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine, either to transition between different topics or following intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

"What is the best course to take if space isn't enough?"

Certain activities can be done standing next to desks or in a tiny space. In small classrooms, sitting stretching, chair-yoga or even simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks; it's also about establishing a culture in schools that is centered around health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students who are healthier and have less absences
• School spirit and community involvement are enhanced
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

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

Start with these Tips

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute movement breaks?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are movements appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored to preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient movements require minimal or no equipment, like scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating movements into your school day is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is important. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the future of our children's success.

Making movement a vital aspect of the school day for every student. Students learn, develop and prosper by moving.