Incorporating Brain Science into Movement Break Design

In today's ever-changing education system the spotlight is focused on the holistic growth of students. Academic rigor and test scores remain important however, a growing body of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as more screen time are becoming the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activity throughout the school day is never more important. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule, uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks are short periods in the school day when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. They can be anything from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that require movements. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education, which follow an established curriculum, are often, short interruptions of the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest motives to include movement breaks is their positive effects on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens engage in 60 minutes of exercise. However, many students fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health advantages:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Help with weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and promotes healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the belief that more time on academics can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating breaks in movement can improve the academic level. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

The key benefits for academics include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• Increased focus on task

Research has shown that students who get breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released to make you feel good
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the school day can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up anger, frustration, or worry, helping to create a positive school environment.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from movement breaks. These students can benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement are easily modified to accommodate the needs of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. The types of breaks offered vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that each student can succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to entice students.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct breaks with confidence.
• Track 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 either facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Studies show that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in classes. The movement breaks are an Investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How can we create time for movement in a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into interludes between subjects, or after times of intense focus. Even brief activity provides tangible advantages.

"What is the best course to take if space is limited?"

Many movement activities require little space or can be done by standing in front of desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretches, chair-yoga, or even simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Broader Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about individual benefits; it's about creating the school's culture of health, well-being and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and less absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Higher satisfaction with the teacher and lower burnout rates
• More academically successful

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning can be aligned with the breaks in your exercise.

Tips to get started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two break breaks per day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be altered to meet each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just simple items like balls, scarves or even music.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is a simple, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical health to supporting mental well-being and classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is crucial. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the success of the next generation.

Making movement a vital element of school life for every student. Students learn, develop and flourish when they move.