Building Student Choice into Movement Breaks

The holistic development of the student is becoming more important in today's rapidly changing education system. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more important. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the commonplace. This guide will discuss the reason why break time is an essential part of any school day, the benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for administrators and teachers.

What are the definitions of movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks are brief periods of time during the school day where students are encouraged to participate with physical activity. They can be a time for stretching, dancing, more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises. Unlike physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed curriculum, movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• In place running or jumping Jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive impact on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Many students do not adhere to this advice because they are occupied for so many hours in class.

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

• Enhance the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and promotes good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

In contrast to the popular belief that spending more time in school leads to better scores, research has proven that taking breaks to move in class can boost academic performance . Physical activity increases the blood flow to the brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for brain function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more focused and achieve higher scores over those who don't.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is a matter that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for children who are in school. The importance of movement breaks in managing emotions and improving mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional benefits include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can assist to release the tension and stress. This creates positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or other special needs. These students can benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, enhancing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities break breaks are designed to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Have fun with it: Make use of stories, music or themes to entice students.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers may facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

On the contrary studies show that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

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

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule for transitions between topics or after intensive concentration. Even brief activity provides significant advantages.

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

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space, or can be performed standing beside desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even simple hand and arm movements can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Greater Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about fostering a school culture that values wellbeing, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Higher satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness-related initiatives, like education on nutrition, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning could be linked to the breaks in your exercise.

Tips to get started

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to implement breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools have a 30-minute break to walk around. But, the duration of breaks can be altered according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Movement breaks are not an alternative to regular physical education. They are designed to complement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective moves require no or little equipment, including scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating breaks for movement into each school day can provide a vast array of advantages. The research suggests that exercise is essential for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing regular breaks in your routine is a way to invest in the next generation's success.

Making movement a vital aspect of the school day for all students. Learners develop and thrive by moving.