Celebrating Physical Activity Month in Schools

In the current rapidly changing educational environment the spotlight is shifting to the overall growth of students. Academic rigor and test scores remain important, but a growing body of research has revealed a vital element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the commonplace, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day has never been more urgent. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of any school's daily routine, uncover the science of the benefits of these breaks, and present concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to 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 just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more structured games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities that require movements. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place 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

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks for health is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and teens should engage in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. However, many students fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

Movement breaks in schools can provide a variety of health advantages:

• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and encourages the growth of healthy lifestyles.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the common belief that spending more time in school leads to better scores, research has proven that taking a break during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers nutrients and oxygen which are vital for the functioning of the brain.

The key academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• More focused focus on task behavior

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

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental health of students is an increasing concern with anxiety, stress, and depression affecting many school-age children. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental well-being is well-known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to create a positive feeling
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to release the tension anger, stress or anxiety. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and problems with sensory processing or any other needs. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, boost executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because movement breaks can be easily adapted, they can be tailored to meet the needs of different age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning style. From simple chair stretching to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to guarantee that every child is able to excel.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep students engaged.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of movement breaks.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Breaks for movement are equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can either conduct video-based activities or provide students with movement-related tasks they can finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

Studies show that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in classes. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create enough time to move in a packed schedule?"

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into interludes between subjects, or during periods that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a smaller space. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about creating an environment that promotes well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Higher satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness programs, such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning could be linked to the breaks in your exercise.

Get Started with These Tips

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, but the frequency can be adjusted to fit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Is it appropriate for all children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement need no equipment, or just basic items such as balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is a simple approach that has proven benefits. The research suggests that exercise is essential for many reasons, including improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behaviour. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks can be a significant investment in the next generation's success.

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