Movement Breaks: Feedback from Students

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the overall student's development. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the norm. In this article we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a cornerstone of any school's daily routine, uncover the science that explains the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in Schools?

Motion breaks--also known as brain breaks activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks are short breaks during the school day where students are required to participate in physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle 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 children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.

School-based movement breaks provide a number of health benefits

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

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and helps you maintain good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that more time spent in school leads to better grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance academic performance . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients that are vital for brain function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• A greater focus on the task

Studies have found that students who get breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression impact a lot of youngsters of school age. The movement breaks play an important part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released to make you feel good
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to let go of any tension anger, stress or anxiety. This will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other special needs can benefit from movement breaks. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, boost executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Because they are easily adaptable they can be tailored to meet the requirements of different ages physical capabilities, as well as learning style. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities, movement breaks make sure that that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your schedule

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories, or themes to engage students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Breaks for movement are equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers may lead video-based activity sessions or give students movement challenges to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

However studies show that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive, and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How do we make the time to move if our schedules are so jam-packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or following times that require intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide significant advantages.

"What if our classroom space isn't enough?"

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or are done by standing in front of desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even basic hand and arm movements work well in small classrooms.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture within schools that promotes well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Healthier overall for students and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are boosted
• Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower burnout rates
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional learning can be incorporated into the breaks in your exercise.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools take a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the frequency of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for regular exercise. They are intended to enhance it.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Integrating breaks for exercise into each school day could provide a broad range of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research that movement is crucial. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine is a way to invest in the success of the next generation.

Make movement an essential aspect of the school day for all students. Learners grow and prosper when they move.