The Science Behind Movement Breaks and Student Focus

In today's ever-changing educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic student's development. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are now the norm. This guide will explain why movement breaks are an essential part of any school day, the benefits they offer and give practical suggestions 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 in the school day when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. The breaks may range from a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises which require moving. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined program, the movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions of sedentary class time intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Light movement

Why it is important to break the movement of a person: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular physical activity breaks on the health of a person is one of the most compelling reasons for including them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise activity daily. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation because they spend long hours in school.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Enhance the cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and promotes healthy habits for life.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

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

The most important academic benefits are:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• A greater focus on the task

Studies have found that students who are given breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of children who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to let go of any tension and stress. This creates a positive classroom atmosphere.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. They will benefit from exercise by regulating their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because they can be easily adapted, they can be tailored to meet the needs of different age groups, physical abilities, and learning style. Movement breaks can be anything from simple chair stretching up to interactive group exercises. They make sure that each student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it: Make use of stories, music or themes to engage students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Establish guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. The breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can lead live activity sessions on video calls or assign movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

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

"How do we find time for movement in a packed schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine in order to switch between different topics or following intensive concentration. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

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

Some activities can be performed standing next to desks or in a tiny space. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple arm and hand movements work well in small classrooms.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture in schools that promotes wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students with better health and lower absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• More teacher satisfaction and lower burnout rates
• Higher academic performance

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

Start with these Tips

1. Start slow: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing breaks for movement?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, however, the time interval can be adjusted to suit 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.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most effective exercises require minimal or no equipment, such as scarves or music, or even balls.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching advantages. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting mental well-being and classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is crucial. You can invest in the future of your children, whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

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