Movement Breaks: Feedback from Students

The overall growth of the student is becoming more important in the current rapidly evolving educational landscape. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body research highlights an element which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the standard, the demand for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day has never been more important. This guide will discuss the reason why break time is an essential part of any school day, the advantages they bring and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are brief periods during the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more formal games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities which require movement. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to a curriculum, are frequent, short interruptions of the class's sedentary time. They can help students refocus their in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling motives to include movement breaks is their positive effects on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children engage in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and helps in the creation of long-term healthy routines.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the belief that spending more time in school will result in better performance Research has shown that incorporating breaks in movement can increase the academic level. Physical activity increases the flow of blood to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients which are vital for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

According to studies, students who take movement breaks are more concentrated and achieve higher scores than those who do not.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

Mental health is a matter that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression are a major concern for students who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Social interaction and teamwork

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to let go of any tension and stress. This creates a positive classroom atmosphere.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), difficulties with sensory processing, or other special needs. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, enhancing the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the needs of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. Movement breaks can be anything from simple chair stretching all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They make sure that each student is able to thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories or themes to engage students.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide breaks with confidence.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally important in virtual learning. Teachers can conduct live activity sessions on video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Contrary to popular belief research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive, and are more effective during their lessons. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we find the time needed to move, when our schedule is so packed?

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or after times of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

What happens if the space in which that we have available is not enough?

Some exercises can be completed at desks, or in a small space. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand exercises can be beneficial.

The impact of movement breaks on School Culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about personal benefits, it's about building a school culture that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students with better health and less absences
• School spirit and community involvement are increased
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning could be linked to breaks for movement.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break to walk around. However, the duration 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 substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movements appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities need no equipment, or just simple items like balls, scarves, or even music.

Integrating breaks to move throughout the school day can provide a vast range of benefits. The research shows that exercise is essential for a myriad of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behaviour. It is possible to invest in the future of your students whether you are an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a politician.

Let's make it a non-negotiable element of each student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, develop and prosper.