Building Community Support for Movement Break Initiatives

The holistic growth of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational environment. Academic rigor and test scores remain important, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are now the norm. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science behind their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in Schools?

Motion breaks--also known as breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. The breaks may range from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more formal exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that involve movement. The movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow an established curriculum, are often, short interruptions of the class's sedentary time. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive effects on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of physical activity. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation because they spend too many hours in the classroom.

Movement breaks in schools can provide a variety of health advantages:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and promotes healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the belief that more time on academics will result in better performance Research has shown that incorporating movement breaks can actually enhance academic performance. Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This delivers nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

The key benefits for academics include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Focus on the task is increased.

Studies have found that students who are given breaks to move return to work more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that concerns many students. Stress, anxiety and depression impact a lot of children who are in school. The movement breaks play an important part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and collaboration

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to release pent up energy, frustration or worry. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. Students with these conditions will benefit from exercise by regulating their energy levels, improving executive function and participating in academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Because they are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to fit the needs of different ages physical capabilities, as well as learning methods. Movement breaks can be anything from simple chair stretching through interactive group exercises. They make sure that each student can succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate these breaks.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers may facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

Studies show that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in class. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How do we find time to move when our schedules are jammed?

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into transitions between subjects or following time that require intense concentration. Even brief activity provides tangible advantages.

What happens if the space in which we have isn't enough?

Certain activities can be done at desks, or in a smaller space. In small classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Impact of School Culture and Movement Breaks

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about personal benefits, it's about fostering an environment that promotes well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students who are healthier and have lower absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

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

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools should take a 30 minute break for movement. However, the duration of breaks can be altered according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Is movement suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement require no equipment or only simple objects like balls, scarves, or even music.

Integrating breaks for exercise into the daily school routine could provide a broad variety of benefits. Research shows that exercise is essential for a variety of reasons that include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you're a teacher or administrator, a parent or a politician.

Making movement a vital part of the school experience for every student. Learners grow and thrive by moving.