Using Movement to Support Executive Function

The holistic growth of the student is becoming more important in the current rapidly evolving education system. While academic rigor and scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and more screen time are becoming the commonplace, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day has never been more important. This guide will explain the reason why break time is an essential part of any school day, the benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in the 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 to engage in physical activities. The breaks may range from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises which require moving. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to re-energize students and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in the same
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular movement breaks for the health of a person is among the most compelling reasons for including these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activities each day. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health benefits:

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

Regular exercise boosts the immune system, and also encourages the growth of healthy routines.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the notion that spending more time studying leads to better results Research has shown that incorporating breaks in movement can enhance academic performance. Physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients that are vital for brain function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased focus on task

Studies have found that students who receive breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression are a major concern for students of school age. The movement breaks play an important part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and teamwork

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to release the tension, frustration or worry. This can create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from a break in their movement. These students benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

The movement breaks can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, movement breaks ensure that every child is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during lengthy instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally important in virtual learning. Teachers can conduct live activity sessions on video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

On the contrary research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How can we fit in the time needed to move, when our schedule is so packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or during time of intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

"What if our classroom space is limited?"

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. In smaller classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the school culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about building a school culture that values health, well-being, and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to experience:

• Students who are healthier and have less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• More academically successful

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

Start with these Tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Get feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes but the frequency can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. The movement breaks aren't as a substitute for structured exercise. They are meant to supplement it.

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just simple objects like balls, scarves, or even music.

Incorporating breaks for exercise throughout the school day could provide a broad variety of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical health to supporting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior The research proves: movement matters. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your students whether you are an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a policymaker.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve, and thrive.