Parent Involvement: Encouraging Movement at Home

In the current rapidly changing educational environment the spotlight is shifting to the overall development of students. Academic rigor and test scores are important, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are becoming the commonplace. This guide will discuss the reasons why breaks for movement are an important part of every school day, and the benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks are brief periods of time in the school day when students are encouraged to participate with physical activity. They can be anything from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises which require movement. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and refresh their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest motives to include movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children take part in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. However, many students do not meet this requirement due to long hours spent in the classroom.

School breaks during movement can provide a variety of health benefits:

• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain. This delivers nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

Research has shown that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression affecting many school-age children. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Exercise during the school hours provides a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a more comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD, sensory processing issues or any other specific needs may benefit from a break in their movement. Students with these conditions can benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, movement breaks ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your schedule

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in lengthy instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories, or themes to keep students entertained.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide breaks with confidence.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine methods.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead live activity sessions on video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

However research has shown that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How can we create enough time to move in a packed schedule?"

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule, either to transition between different topics or following intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide tangible advantages.

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

Many movement activities require little space or can be done sitting at desks. In small classrooms, sitting yoga, stretches in a chair, or even simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Broader Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about personal benefits, it's about fostering the school's culture of well-being, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that emphasize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are increased
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness programs including social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and anti-bullying programs.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Solicit feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to institute movement breaks?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be altered to meet the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movements appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective moves require little or no equipment, including scarves, music, or balls.

Integrating breaks for movement into each school day could provide a broad range of benefits. The research suggests that exercise is essential for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you are a teacher or administrator, a parent or a policymaker.

Let's make it a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move, they learn, grow and prosper.