Overcoming Resistance: Getting Staff on Board with Movement Breaks

The holistic growth of the student is increasingly crucial in today's rapidly changing educational environment. Test scores and academic rigor remain crucial however, a growing body of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the standard, the demand for purposeful, structured physical activity throughout the school day is never more urgent. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis that explains the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in Schools?

Movement breaks--also called brain breaks break, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short breaks during the school day during which students are motivated to engage in physical activity. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more organized games, exercises or mindfulness activities. Breaks for movement, in contrast to 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

• Running in place or jumping Jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks on health is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of daily physical activity. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation because they spend long hours in school.

School-based movement breaks provide a number of health benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school results in better scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks during class can improve academic performance . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients that are essential to cognitive function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased focus on task behavior

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more focused and score higher than students who don't.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental wellbeing of students is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety 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 are:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the school hours provides an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger, or worry, helping to create a positive school environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD or sensory processing problems or other special needs can benefit from movement breaks. These students can benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, improving the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because they are easily adaptable they can be tailored to meet the requirements of various age groups, physical abilities, and learning methods. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities breaks in the form of movement guarantee that every child is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. The breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity through video calls, or give movement-related challenges to students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

On the contrary studies show that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Movement breaks are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

How do we make the time to move if our schedules are so jam-packed?

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

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

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a smaller space. In small classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Greater Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about personal benefits, it's about creating the school's culture of health, well-being, and lifelong learning. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have more absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as bullying prevention, nutrition education, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning could be linked to the breaks in your exercise.

Get Started with These Tips

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing movement breaks?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for organized physical education. They are designed to supplement it.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement do not require any equipment or simple items like balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating movement breaks into every schoolday is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching advantages. The research suggests that exercise is essential for many reasons which include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. You can invest in the future of your children, whether you're a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a politician.

Include movement as an integral element of school life for all students. Learners grow and flourish when they move.