District Policies that Support Movement Breaks

In today's rapidly evolving educational environment The spotlight is now turning to the holistic growth of students. Academic rigor and test scores are important however, a growing amount of research reveals a key aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the norm. In this article we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine and uncover the science of the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short breaks during the school day during which students are motivated to engage in physical activities. The breaks may range from just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more formal exercises, games or mindfulness exercises which require moving. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling motives to include movement breaks is their positive effects on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes of daily exercise. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation because they are occupied for so many hours in class.

Movement breaks in schools offer several health benefits:

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

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

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school results in better results, research has demonstrated that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are essential for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• A greater focus on the task

The results of studies have shown that students who get breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that concerns many students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many youngsters of school age. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is widely known.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

Exercise during the school day provides a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger or anxiety, assisting to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or problems with sensory processing or any other needs. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better participate in academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

The movement breaks can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. Breaks for movement can range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They make sure that each student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Enjoy it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Breaks for movement are equally essential during online learning. Teachers can either conduct video-based activities or give students movement tasks they can do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

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

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

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into interludes between subjects, or after periods of intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

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

Many movement activities require little space or are done standing beside desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even simple hand and arm exercises are effective in small classrooms.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about individual benefits; it's about building an environment that promotes wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students with better health and more absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are enhanced
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning can be aligned with movement breaks.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start small: 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 entertained and engaged.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement need no equipment, or just simple items like scarves, balls, or music.

Incorporating movements into your school day is a simple, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching advantages. The research shows that physical activity is crucial for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the next generation's success.

Include movement as an integral element of school life for all students. Learners grow and flourish when they move.