Brain Breaks vs. Movement Breaks: What’s the Difference?

The holistic development of the student is becoming more important in today's rapidly changing educational environment. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day has never been more important. In this guide we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science that explains their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in Schools?

Movement breaks--also called brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks can range from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more formal games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities which require moving. In contrast to physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed schedule, these breaks are short, frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in the same
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive impact on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children engage in 60 minutes of regular exercise. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend in the classroom.

School breaks during movement offer several health advantages:

• Enhance cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and encourages healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school will result in higher grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks during class can improve academic performance . Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

The main academic benefits include:

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

Research has shown that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks with greater focus and demonstrate greater achievement scores when compared with those without such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is well known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Endorphins are released to give you a feeling of happiness
• Opportunity for social interaction and collaboration

Exercise during the school day can provide an outlet for the accumulated anger, frustration, or worry, helping to create a more positive classroom environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or any other needs. These students will benefit from exercise in regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic assignments.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the needs of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. Breaks for movement can range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They make sure that each student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or playing games in a short time.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories or themes to keep your students interested.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Establish guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine methods.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. The breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can facilitate live sessions of activity via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

Research shows that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in classes. The movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not a distraction.

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

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine, either to transition between subjects or to recover from an intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or are done standing beside desks. In small classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or even simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks, but also about creating a culture in schools that promotes health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students with better health and less absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• More satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are more impressive

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

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start slow: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

Experts suggest schools take a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the frequency of breaks can be altered depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not a substitute for organized exercise. They are intended to supplement it.

Are movements appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored for preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating breaks for exercise into the daily school routine can have a wide variety of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom The research proves: movement matters. You can invest in the future of your students whether you're a teacher or administrator, a parent or a policymaker.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience--because when students move, they learn, grow and prosper.