Lessons Learned: Implementing a Movement Break Program

The overall growth of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing education system. Academic rigor and test scores remain important however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as increased screen time become the norm, the need for structured, purposeful physical activities during the school day has never been greater. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis behind their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the definitions of 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 engage with physical activity. They can be a time for stretching, dancing, more structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are short, frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and refresh their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling motives to include movement breaks is their positive impact on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of regular physical activity. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent sitting in classrooms.

School breaks during movement can provide a variety of health benefits:

• Improve your the cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and encourages the development of lifelong healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that more time spent in school will result in higher grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance academic performance . Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

The key academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

Studies have found that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many youngsters who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Endorphins are released and make you feel good
• Teamwork and social interaction

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

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from a break in their movement. Physical activity can help students manage their energy levels, enhance their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches up to interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each student can succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories, or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate these breaks.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead live activity sessions on video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

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

How can we fit in the time to move if our schedules are jammed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into the transition between subjects or following time that require intense concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

What happens if the space in which that we have available is not enough?

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed by standing in front of desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or just simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks; it's also about establishing a culture in schools that promotes health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize exercise are likely to have:

• Students with better health and lower absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are enhanced
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Higher academic performance

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

Tips to get started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and increase it from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request 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 implement breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break to walk around. But, the duration of breaks can be altered depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient movements require no or little equipment, including scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching advantages. From improving academic performance and physical fitness to improving wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear that movement is crucial. It is possible to invest in the future of your children, whether you're a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a policymaker.

Make movement an essential element of school life for every student. Students learn, develop and thrive when they move.