Movement Breaks for High School Students

The overall development of the student is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving educational environment. Academic rigor and test scores remain important however, a growing amount of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the commonplace, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day is never more important. This guide will explore why movement breaks are essential to every school day, what benefits they offer and provide practical tips for administrators and teachers.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks break, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are brief periods during the school day when students are motivated to engage in physical activity. The breaks may range from short periods of dancing or stretching to more formal games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities which require movement. Breaks for movement, in contrast to physical education classes that follow an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to the class's sedentary time. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Yoga poses or stretching
• 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 breaks into your routine is their positive impact on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and teens should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical movement each day. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation because they spend long hours in school.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and helps you maintain healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school leads to better scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients which are vital for the functioning of the brain.

The most important academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• A greater focus on the task

The results of studies have shown that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

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

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during school day provides a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger, or worry, helping to create a more comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD, sensory processing issues or other special needs can benefit from a break in their movement. Physical activity can help students manage their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better participate in academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Since movement breaks can be easily adapted and customizable, they can be adapted to fit the needs of different ages and physical abilities as well as learning styles. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They guarantee that every student can succeed.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require no equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to engage students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers may conduct video-based activities or assign students tasks to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

Studies show that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in classes. Breaks for movement are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

How do we find the time needed to move, when our schedules are so jam-packed?

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule for transitions between different topics or following intensive concentration. Even brief activity provides significant benefits.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

Many activities that require only a little space, or can be performed standing beside desks. In small classrooms, sitting yoga, stretches in a chair, or even simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Greater Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about creating a school culture that values wellbeing, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students with healthier health and more absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are boosted
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness programs, such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying social-emotional education, 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 movement breaks a day and build from there.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts recommend that schools have a 30-minute break for movement. However, the frequency of breaks can be altered according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

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 require no equipment or only simple objects like scarves, balls, or music.

Integrating breaks for exercise throughout the school day can provide a vast range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom The research proves that movement is important. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing regular breaks in your routine is an investment in the success of the next generation.

Let's make moving a mandatory part of every student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve and prosper.