Developing Partnerships with PE Teachers

The holistic development of the child is increasingly crucial in the rapidly changing educational environment. Test scores and academic rigor are important, but a growing body of research has revealed a vital element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time is becoming the norm. This guide will explore why movement breaks are essential to every school day, what benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies for administrators and teachers.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks, are brief periods of time during school hours when students are encouraged engage in physical activities. They can be anything from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more structured exercises, games or mindfulness exercises which require movements. Unlike physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to re-energize students and refresh their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling motives to include movement breaks is their positive effects on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and teens should engage in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. Yet, many students do not meet this requirement due to long hours spent in the classroom.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and encourages the creation of long-term healthy habits.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school leads to better grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients which are vital for cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased focus on task

Research has shown that students who get breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that concerns many students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many students who are in school. The importance of regular exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Emotional benefits include:

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

Physical activity throughout the day can help to let go of any tension anger, stress or anxiety. This will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from movement breaks. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better perform in academic activities.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to meet the requirements of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities, movement breaks ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers may conduct video-based activities or assign students challenges to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

However studies show that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive, and more productive during lessons. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we find the time to move during the midst of a busy schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule, either to transition between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

What happens if the space in which we have is limited?

Many activities that require only a little space or can be done sitting at desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or even simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

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

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning could be linked to breaks for movement.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and build from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of the daily 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 and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break to move around. But, the frequency of breaks is adjustable depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for regular physical education. They are designed to complement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Integrating breaks for exercise into each school day can have a wide array of advantages. The research shows that movement is important for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you're a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or politician.

Let's make moving a mandatory part of every student's school experience. Because when students move they learn, develop and prosper.