Leveraging Community Resources for Movement Breaks

In the current rapidly changing education system the spotlight is focused on the holistic student's development. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the standard, the demand for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day has never been more urgent. This guide will explore the reason why break time is essential to every school day, the benefits they offer and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in Schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short periods within the school day during which students are required to participate in physical activities. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more formal exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities which require moving. Unlike physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive effects on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens take part in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. But, many children fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

School-based movement breaks 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 also encourages the creation of long-term healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the common belief that more time spent in school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking breaks to move during class can improve academic performance . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain. This helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• An increase in the amount of time spent on task.

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and score higher over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is an increasing concern with anxiety, stress, and depression affecting many school-age children. The movement breaks play an important part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Endorphins release to make you feel good
• Social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to let go of any tension anger, stress or anxiety. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. They will benefit from exercise by regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic assignments.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can be anything from simple chair stretching all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that each child can succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their preferred exercise.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to lead activities with confidence.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine techniques.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Studies show 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 to move during an already packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or after time that require intense concentration. Even brief activity provides tangible advantages.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

Some activities can be performed at desks, or in a small space. In small classrooms, sitting stretches, chair-yoga, or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about fostering a school culture that values health, well-being, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness programs, such as social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and programs to combat bullying.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to introduce movement breaks?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for structured physical education. They are intended to complement it.

Are movements appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement need no equipment, or just basic items such as scarves, balls, or even music.

Integrating breaks to move into each school day can have a wide range of benefits. The research suggests that movement is important for many reasons which include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the success of the next generation.

Make movement an essential element of school life for all students. Students learn, grow and prosper by moving.