Seasonal Movement Breaks: Activities for Every Time of Year thumbnail

Seasonal Movement Breaks: Activities for Every Time of Year

Published Mar 03, 25
4 min read

The overall growth of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time is becoming the norm. In this article we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule as well as the scientific basis of their benefits, and provide concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks are brief periods of time in the school day when students are encouraged engage with physical activity. The breaks may range from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more formal games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that involve movements. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

  • Jumping around or running in place over jacks
  • Yoga or stretching exercises
  • 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 reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive impact on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical movement each day. Many students do not adhere to this advice because they are occupied for long hours in school.

School breaks during movement offer several health advantages:

  • Improve your the cardiovascular fitness
  • Increase flexibility and muscle strength
  • Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
  • Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and helps you maintain good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking a break during classes can enhance academic performance . Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for brain function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

  • Increased focus and attention
  • Memory retention is improved
  • Better problem-solving skills
  • Engagement and participation
  • More focused the amount of time spent on task.

Studies have found that students who get movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age children. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

  • A reduction in stress and anxiety.
  • Improved mood and self-esteem
  • Endorphins are released to make you feel good
  • Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to release pent up energy, frustration or worry. This will create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), difficulties with sensory processing, or any other needs. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

The movement breaks can be easily adapted to meet the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities break breaks are designed to ensure every student gets the chance to excel.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your daily routine

Teachers can benefit from this resource

  • Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in long instructional blocks.
  • Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
  • Enjoy it! Use music, stories, or themes to get students involved.
  • Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movements.

For Administrators

  • Support for building: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
  • Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
  • Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks in a confident manner.
  • Follow the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine techniques.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can either conduct video-based activities or assign students tasks to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

Contrary to popular belief research has shown that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The movement breaks are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

"How do we find the time to move during a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into transitions between subjects or after time of intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

What happens if the space in which we have is limited?

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed standing beside desks. In small classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Greater Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about creating a culture in schools that values well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to experience:

  • Students with healthier health and lower absences
  • A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
  • Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
  • Higher academic performance

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

Get Started with These Tips

  1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
  2. Be constant. Include movement in your routine.
  3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
  4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
  5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break for movement. However, the duration of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient moves require minimal or no equipment, such as scarves, music, or balls.

Integrating breaks for movement into the daily school routine can have a wide array of advantages. From improving academic performance to improving physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom The research proves that movement is important. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or the policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the success of the next generation.

Include movement as an integral part of the school experience for every student. Learners develop and flourish by moving.

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