District Policies that Support Movement Breaks

In today's ever-changing educational landscape The spotlight is now focused on the holistic growth of students. Academic rigor and test scores remain crucial, but a growing body of research has revealed a vital aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and more screen time are becoming the commonplace, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day is never more important. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a cornerstone of any school's daily routine, uncover the science of their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in Schools?

Motion breaks--also known as breaks for the brain, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short breaks during the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, organized games, exercises or mindfulness-based activities. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to the same curriculum, are frequently brief interruptions to sedentary class time. They help refocus students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of physical activity breaks on the health of a person is one of the main reasons to incorporate them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise activity daily. But, many children aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent in class.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health benefits:

• Enhance cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and helps in the growth of healthy lifestyles.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school leads to better scores, research has proven that taking breaks to move during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased on-task behavior

According to studies, students who take movement breaks are more focused and have higher scores than students who don't.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is a matter that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many youngsters of school age. Movement breaks play a significant part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to make you feel good
• Opportunity for social interaction and teamwork

Exercise during the school hours provides an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger or anxiety, assisting to create a more positive school environment.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD, sensory processing issues or any other specific needs may benefit from breaks in movement. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, boost executive function, and better take on academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Since movement breaks are easily adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the requirements of various age groups and physical abilities as well as learning methods. The types of breaks offered vary from simple stretches on the chair through interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each child can succeed.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Fun: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep students entertained.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. The breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can either lead video-based activity sessions or give students movement challenges to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Research shows that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in class. The breaks during movement can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or following periods of intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a small space. In small classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Greater Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about creating an environment that promotes health, well-being and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower burnout rates
• Stronger academic outcomes

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

Get Started with These Tips

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing movement breaks?

Experts suggest schools take a 30-minute break for movement. But, the duration of breaks is adjustable in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for regular exercise. They are intended to complement it.

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized for elementary school children, preschoolers middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or simple items like balls, scarves, or even music.

Integrating breaks for movement into each school day can have a wide array of advantages. From boosting academic performance and physical fitness to improving mental well-being and classroom behavior It's clear from the research that movement is crucial. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the next generation's success.

Let's make moving a mandatory part of every student's school experience. Because when students move they learn, improve, and thrive.