Keeping Movement Breaks Fresh: Avoiding Repetition

The holistic development of the student is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. Test scores and academic rigor are important however, a growing body of research reveals a key aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom is more crucial than ever. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are now the norm. This guide will discuss why movement breaks are an important part of every school day, the benefits they offer and give practical suggestions for administrators and teachers.

What are movement breaks in Schools?

Movement breaks--also called brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks can range from a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more organized games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities that require moving. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow the same curriculum, are frequently brief interruptions to the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main 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 adolescents must engage in at least 60 minutes of physical movement each day. But, many children aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

School breaks during movement can provide a variety of health advantages:

• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• 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 more time on academics can lead to better grades studies show that integrating movement breaks can actually improve academic performance. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

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

According to studies, students who take movement breaks are more concentrated and score higher than those who do not.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is well known.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during school hours provides an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger or anxiety, which can help to create a positive school environment.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. Students with these conditions will benefit from exercise in regulating their energy levels, increasing their executive functioning and completing academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to ensure each student is able to excel.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories, or themes to entice students.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Movement breaks are equally crucial. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity on video calls or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

However research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not an interruption.

"How do we make enough time to move in a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or during times of intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

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

Certain activities can be done at desks, or in a smaller space. In small classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or even simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are enhanced
• Higher teacher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

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

Start by implementing these tips

1. Begin slow: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes, however, the time interval can be altered to meet the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not a substitute for organized physical education. They are intended to enhance it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Integrating breaks for exercise into the daily school routine can provide a vast variety of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting mental well-being and classroom behavior, the research is clear: movement matters. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your students whether you are a teacher or administrator, a parent or a politician.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience--because when students move they learn, improve and prosper.