Movement Breaks: Feedback from Students

The holistic growth of the student is becoming more important in the current rapidly evolving educational landscape. The quality of their education and the scores they score are important, but a growing body of research has revealed a vital element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity during the school day is never greater. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science that explains the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks are brief periods of time during the school day where students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. They can be anything from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more organized exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that require movement. Unlike physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are brief, regular interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to help students reenergize and refresh their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is the positive effect they have on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children engage in 60 minutes of daily exercise. A lot of students don't comply with this requirement because they are occupied for too many hours in the classroom.

Moving breaks in schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

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

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the notion that more time on academics leads to better results Research has shown that incorporating movement breaks can actually increase academic performance. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive function.

The key academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• More focused the amount of time spent on task.

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

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression are a major concern for students of school age. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and give you a feeling of happiness
• Teamwork and social interaction

Exercise during the school day can provide an outlet for the accumulated anger, frustration, or worry, helping to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. They can benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, increasing the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic assignments.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because movement breaks are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to fit the needs of different age groups, physical abilities, and learning style. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that each child is able to thrive.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your schedule

For Teachers

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break 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.
• Monitor the progress: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers can conduct video-based activities or assign students challenges to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

Research shows that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in class. The movement breaks are an investment into learning and not distracting.

How do we find the time to move if our schedule is so packed?

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule in order to switch between subjects or to recover from intensive concentration. Even short activities can bring significant benefits.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the school culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about individual benefits; it's about creating the school's culture of well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have lower absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning could be linked to movement breaks.

Tips to get started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to introduce breaks for movement?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes but the frequency can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for regular exercise. They are intended to enhance it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

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 movements into your school day is an easy approach that has proven advantages. From boosting academic performance and physical health to supporting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior The research proves that movement is crucial. You can invest in the future of your students whether you are an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a politician.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, develop and prosper.