Communicating the Value of Movement Breaks to Stakeholders

In the current rapidly changing educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the overall growth of students. Test scores and academic rigor remain crucial, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial aspect that is often ignored: 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 is never greater. In this article we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a key element of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science behind their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also called brain breaks, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises which require moving. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined program, the movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to help students reenergize and refocus their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping jacks
• Stretching or yoga 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 movement breaks on health is one of the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children engage in 60 minutes of regular exercise. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation because they spend too many hours in the classroom.

Moving breaks in schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Increase fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and helps in the creation of long-term healthy habits.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the widely held belief that more time spent in school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking breaks to move in class can boost the academic level of students . Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are essential for cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• Increased focus on task

Research has shown that students who get breaks to move return to work more focused and have greater achievement scores when compared with students who do not have such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. The role of exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is widely known.

Emotional Benefits are:

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

Exercise during the school hours provides a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger or anxiety, which can help to create a more positive school environment.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or other special needs. These students benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, improving the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because movement breaks are adaptable they can be tailored to meet the needs of different ages, physical abilities, and learning methods. Breaks for movement can vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that every student can succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think jumping, stretching, or quick games.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music or themes to engage students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can facilitate live activity sessions via video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

Research shows that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in class. Movement breaks are an Investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create the time to move during the midst of a busy schedule?"

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into transitions between subjects or after periods that require intense concentration. Even brief activity provides significant advantages.

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

Certain activities can be done standing next to desks or in a tiny space. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple arm and hand movements work well in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about individual benefits; it's about fostering a school culture that values health, well-being and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

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

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness initiatives like social-emotional education, nutrition education, or programs that combat bullying.

Start with these Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and build from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to introduce movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break to walk around. But, the frequency of breaks can be altered according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most effective moves require little or no equipment, like scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical health to supporting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear: movement matters. You can make a difference in the lives of your students whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a policymaker.

Making movement a vital aspect of the school day for all students. Learners develop and thrive by moving.