Building Student Choice into Movement Breaks

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape the spotlight is turning to the holistic student's development. Test scores and academic rigor are important, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more important. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are becoming the norm. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science that explains their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at 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 engage with physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness-based activities. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in the same
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• 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 health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children engage in 60 minutes of regular exercise. However, many students do not meet this requirement due to long hours spent in the classroom.

Breaks in school for movement can provide a variety of health advantages:

• Improve your the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Help combat childhood obesity

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

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the notion that more time on academics will result in better performance, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can improve academic performance. Physical activity increases the blood flow to the brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

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

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more focused and have higher scores than those who do not.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression affecting many school-age children. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is widely known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

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

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD, sensory processing issues or other special needs can benefit from breaks in movement. Physical activity can help students regulate their energy levels, boost executive function, and better perform in academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Breaks in the movement are easily modified to accommodate the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They guarantee that every student can succeed.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your schedule

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve methods.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. Breaks for movement are an Investment in learning, not distracting.

"How do we make the time to move during a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or after time of intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

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

Many activities that require only a little space or are done standing beside desks. Seated stretches, chair yoga or even simple arm and hand movements work well in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about personal benefits, it's about creating the school's culture of health, well-being and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have more absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are increased
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower burnout rates
• Academic results that are stronger

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities like social-emotional education, nutrition education, or programs that combat bullying.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Begin slow: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes, but the frequency can be altered to meet each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient exercises require minimal or no equipment, like scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating movement breaks into every schoolday is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear that movement is crucial. If you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the future of our children's success.

Make movement an essential aspect of the school day for all students. Students learn, grow and prosper when they move.