Evaluating Movement Break Programs: What Works

In the current rapidly changing education system, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the overall student's development. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and more screen time are becoming the commonplace, the need for purposeful, structured physical activity during the school day is never more urgent. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule, uncover the science behind their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Motion breaks--also called breaks for the brain break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day during which students are motivated to engage in physical activities. They can be anything from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more formal exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities that require movement. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve 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 strongest reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is their positive effects on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children engage in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Many students do not meet this recommendation due to the fact that they spend long hours in school.

Moving breaks in schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system and helps you maintain lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that a longer time at school leads to better grades, research has shown that taking breaks to move during class can improve academic performance . Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

The key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• Increased the amount of time spent on task.

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and have higher scores than students who don't.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

Mental health is a matter that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for children of school age. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is well known.

Emotional benefits include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released and create a positive feeling
• Opportunity for social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the school day can provide an opportunity to release any excess anger, frustration or anxiety, assisting to create a more positive school environment.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Since movement breaks are easily adaptable they can be tailored to fit the needs of different age groups, physical abilities, and learning style. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, break breaks are designed to guarantee every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music or themes to entice students.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking movement breaks.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can either lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

However research has shown that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive, and are more effective during their lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into interludes between subjects, or following time of intense focus. Even a short activity can provide noticeable benefits.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

Many activities that require only a little space, or can be performed by standing in front of desks. In small classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the school culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture within schools that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to experience:

• Students with better health and lower absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Greater teacher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout
• More academically successful

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities, such as social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or anti-bullying programs.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be regular: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break to walk around. However, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for organized physical education. They are meant to complement it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective exercises require minimal or no equipment, like scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating movement breaks into every schoolday is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior It's clear from the research that movement is important. If you're a teacher administrator, parent, or an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing regular breaks in your routine is an investment in the next generation's success.

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