Building Student Choice into Movement Breaks

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape The spotlight is now turning to the holistic development of students. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement 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 standard. This guide will discuss the reasons why breaks for movement are an essential part of any school day, the benefits they offer and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short breaks during the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. They can be anything from a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more structured games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities which require movements. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• In place running or jumping jacks
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of regular physical activity. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

Movement Breaks in Schools provide a number of health benefits

• Enhance the cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

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

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school leads to better scores, research has proven that taking a break during class can improve the academic level of students . Physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

The most important benefits for academics include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• A greater focus on the task

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more focused and have higher scores than those who do not.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. Movement breaks play a significant role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to release the tension and stress. This will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. Physical activity can help students regulate their energy levels, boost executive function, and help them better perform in academic activities.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Because movement breaks are easily adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to fit the needs of various age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning methods. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches through interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each child can succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Enjoy it: Use music, stories or themes to entice students.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking movement breaks.
• Establish guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. The breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can either facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students challenges to finish 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 class. The breaks during movement can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create enough time to move in an already packed schedule?"

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine in order to switch between different topics or following intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

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

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even basic arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture in schools that promotes well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

Other wellness programs, such as bullying prevention, nutrition education, social-emotional training, and social-emotional learning can be incorporated into breaks for movement.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be constant: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Solicit feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to start introducing movement breaks?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, but the timing can be altered to meet the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for organized physical education. They are meant to supplement it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for all ages?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements require no equipment or only simple items like balls, scarves or music.

Integrating breaks to move into the daily school routine can provide a vast variety of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical fitness to improving the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is crucial. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you are an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience. Because when students move they learn, improve and flourish.