Researching Student Preferences for Movement Breaks

In today's rapidly evolving educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the holistic growth of students. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the commonplace, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity throughout the school day has never been more important. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis of their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks -- are brief periods during the school day when students are motivated to engage in physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• In place running or jumping jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• 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

The positive impact of movement breaks for health is among the most compelling reasons for including these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children get 60 minutes of exercise. However, many students aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent sitting in classrooms.

Breaks in school for movement offer several health advantages:

• Enhance fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

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

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the belief that spending more time studying will result in better performance studies show that integrating movement breaks can actually improve the academic level. Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

Key academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• A greater focus on the task

The results of studies have shown that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for children who are in school. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is widely known.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the day can assist to release pent up energy and stress. This will create an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or any other specific needs may benefit from breaks in movement. Physical activity can help these students control their energy levels, enhance their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement are easily modified to meet the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to make sure that that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require little equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it! Use music, stories, or themes to entice students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate these breaks.
• 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 practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead live activity sessions through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Research shows that students who move regularly are more focused and productive in classes. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine, either to transition between different topics or following intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide tangible advantages.

"What do we do if our classroom is limited?"

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed sitting at desks. Seated stretches, chair yoga or even basic hand and arm exercises work well in small classrooms.

The Greater Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not only about the personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about creating a culture in schools that promotes wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness programs including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and anti-bullying programs.

Start with these Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and build from there.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break to move around. However, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not an alternative to regular exercise. They are intended to complement it.

Is movement appropriate for all ages of children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient moves require no or little equipment, like scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating movements into your school day is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. Research shows that movement is important for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement is a way to invest in the future of our children's success.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience. Why? Because when kids move, they learn, grow and prosper.