Building Community Support for Movement Break Initiatives

The overall development of the child is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving educational environment. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more important. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time is becoming the commonplace. In this guide we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science of their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day where students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks can range from a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more structured exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities that involve moving. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education, which follow the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They help refocus students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive impact on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical movement each day. Many students do not adhere to this advice due to the fact that they spend too many hours in the classroom.

Breaks in school for movement can provide a variety of health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and helps you maintain healthy habits for life.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

In contrast to the popular belief that spending more time in school leads to better grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks in class can boost academic performance . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain. This provides nutrients and oxygen that are essential to brain function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased focus on task

Studies have found that students who get movement breaks return to tasks with greater focus and demonstrate greater achievement scores when compared with those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is an issue that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many youngsters who are in school. Movement breaks play a significant part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Endorphins are released and create a positive feeling
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to let go of any tension anger, stress or anxiety. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other special needs can benefit from breaks in movement. These students will benefit from exercise by regulating their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Since movement breaks can be easily adapted they can be tailored to fit the needs of different age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning methods. From simple chair stretches to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to make sure that every student gets the chance to excel.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

For Teachers

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories, or themes to entice students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their preferred exercise.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Establish guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can lead live activity sessions via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

However studies show that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive, and more efficient during lessons. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we find enough time to move in the midst of a busy schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or following times of intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

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

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a smaller space. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple hand and arm movements work well in small classrooms.

The Greater Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about creating a culture in schools that promotes wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have lower absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness-related initiatives, like nutrition education, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning can be aligned with the breaks in your exercise.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Begin slow: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Get feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute breaks for movement?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities need no equipment, or just simple objects like balls, scarves or even music.

Incorporating breaks for movement into each school day can provide a vast variety of benefits. Research shows that physical activity is crucial for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the future of our children's success.

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