Keeping Movement Breaks Fresh: Avoiding Repetition

The holistic development of the child is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving education system. Test scores and academic rigor remain crucial, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increasing screen time becomes the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activity during the school day has never been more important. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a key element of any school's daily routine and uncover the science that explains their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Motion breaks--also known as breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day where students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. The breaks may range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more structured games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that require movement. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• In place running or jumping jacks
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of movement breaks for the health of a person is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of daily exercise. But, many children fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.

Moving breaks in schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Enhance cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Combating childhood obesity

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

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the common belief that spending more time in school will result in higher grades, research has shown that taking a break during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen which are vital for cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• Increased focus on task

Studies have found that students who receive breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have better achievement scores than those who don't get such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental health of children is a growing concern, with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. The movement breaks play an important role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and create a positive feeling
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can assist to release the tension and stress. This will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), problems with sensory processing or other special needs. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Because they can be easily adapted, they can be tailored to meet the requirements of various age groups and physical abilities as well as learning style. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks 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, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep your students interested.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks they can do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

Studies show that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for movement are an Investment in learning, not distracting.

How do we make time to move when our schedule is so packed?

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule, either to transition between different topics or following an intense focus. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Some exercises can be completed standing next to desks or in a small space. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple arm and hand movements work well in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that emphasize exercise are likely to have:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are increased
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness-related initiatives, like education on nutrition, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning could be linked to movement breaks.

Tips to get started

1. Begin slow: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to introduce breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break for movement. But, the duration of breaks is adjustable depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Is movement appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient movements require little or no equipment, like scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. The research suggests that movement is important for a myriad of reasons that include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your students whether you're a teacher or administrator, a parent or a politician.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of each student's school experience--because when students move they learn, improve, and thrive.