The History of Movement in School Curriculums

In today's ever-changing educational environment the spotlight is focused on the holistic development of students. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain crucial however, a growing amount of research has revealed a vital element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the commonplace. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule, uncover the science of their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Motion breaks--also called brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day when students are motivated to engage in physical activities. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises. Unlike physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed schedule, these breaks are short, frequent 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
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is their positive impact on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and teens should engage in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend in the classroom.

School-based movement breaks provide a number of health benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the belief that spending more time studying leads to better results studies show that integrating breaks for movement can improve academic performance. Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are crucial to cognitive function.

The key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• An increase in the amount of time spent on task.

Studies have found that students who receive breaks for movement return to their work with greater focus and demonstrate greater achievement scores when compared with those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many children of school age. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is widely known.

Emotional benefits include:

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

The physical activity you do during the day can help to let go of any tension anger, stress or anxiety. This creates a positive classroom atmosphere.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. Physical activity can help these students regulate their energy levels, improve executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because movement breaks are easily adaptable, they can be tailored to fit the needs of different age groups, physical abilities, and learning methods. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches up to interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your schedule

For Teachers

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require little equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories, or themes to entice students.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct breaks with confidence.
• Follow progress: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine methods.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. The breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can lead live activity sessions via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

However, research shows that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How do we make the time to move if our schedule is so packed?

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine, either to transition between different topics or following an intense focus. Even a short activity can provide noticeable advantages.

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

Many movement activities require little space or can be done sitting at desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even simple hand and arm exercises are effective in small classrooms.

The impact of movement breaks on School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about creating the school's culture of well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Improved overall student health and less absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Higher academic performance

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness initiatives, such as social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or programs that combat bullying.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, however, the time interval can be adjusted to suit each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement 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. Certain of the most effective exercises require little or no equipment, including scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating breaks to move into each school day could provide a broad range of benefits. Research shows that movement is important for a myriad of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behaviour. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine can be a significant investment in the next generation's success.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience. Because when students move they learn, develop, and thrive.