Leveraging Community Resources for Movement Breaks

The holistic growth of the student is becoming more important in the current rapidly evolving educational environment. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as increased screen time become the norm, the need for structured, purposeful physical activities during the school day has never been more urgent. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a key element of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis that explains their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks, are short periods during school hours when students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. They can be a time for stretching, dancing, more structured exercises or games, or mindfulness-based activities. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education that adhere to a curriculum, are frequent brief interruptions to classes that are sedentary. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in the same
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• 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

The positive impact of movement breaks for the health of a person is one of the most compelling reasons for including them. 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. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation because they spend too many hours in the classroom.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system and encourages good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the widely held belief that more time spent in school will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking a break during classes can enhance academic performance . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This delivers nutrients and oxygen that are essential to brain function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• More focused on-task behavior

The results of studies have shown that students who receive movement breaks return to tasks with greater concentration and show higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins release to make you feel good
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

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

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from movement breaks. These students will benefit from exercise to regulate their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Since movement breaks are adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the requirements of different ages and physical abilities as well as learning styles. From simple chair stretching to group-based activities that are interactive, breaks in the form of movement ensure each student is able to succeed.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks confidently.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during 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 movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Studies show that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in class. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How can we fit in the time needed to move, when our schedules are jammed?

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or after times that require intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

What happens if the space in which we have isn't enough?

Certain activities can be done at desks, or in a small space. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even simple arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about personal benefits, it's about building the school's culture of well-being, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students with healthier health and more absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness-related initiatives, like education on nutrition, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional learning can be incorporated into the breaks in your exercise.

Start with these Tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools have a 30-minute break to walk around. But, the duration of breaks can be adjusted depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't as a substitute for regular exercise. They are intended to complement it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for all ages?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just basic items such as scarves, balls, or music.

Incorporating movement breaks into every school day is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. The research shows that exercise is essential for a myriad of reasons that include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you are an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Make movement an essential part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, grow and prosper when they move.