How Often Should Students Get Movement Breaks?

The overall growth of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. Academic rigor and test scores remain important, but a growing body of research has revealed a vital aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are becoming the commonplace. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be an integral part of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis behind their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks, are short breaks in the school day when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness-based activities. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to the class's sedentary 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 require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive impact on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and teens should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activities each day. But, many children fall short of this recommendation due to long hours spent in the classroom.

School breaks during movement offer several health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Support healthy weight management
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system, and also encourages the creation of long-term healthy habits.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the common belief that spending more time in school results in better results, research has demonstrated that taking a break during class can improve the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This provides nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

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

The results of studies have shown that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate greater achievement scores when compared with those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

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

Emotional Benefits include:

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

Physical activity during the day can help to let go of any tension anger, stress or anxiety. This will create an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or with other disabilities. Physical activity can help students control their energy levels, improve executive function, and better take on academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Movement breaks can be easily adapted to meet the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can vary from simple stretches on the chair up to interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories or themes to engage students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

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

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is no different. Movement breaks are equally crucial. Teachers can conduct live activity sessions via video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

Contrary to popular belief studies show that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The breaks during movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

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

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or during time of intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Certain activities can be done standing next to desks or in a small space. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on School Culture

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture within schools that values well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are increased
• Greater teacher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout
• Stronger academic outcomes

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness initiatives like social-emotional education as well as nutrition education and programs to combat bullying.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and increase it from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Get feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools should take a 30 minute break to move 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. Movement breaks are not a substitute for regular physical education. They are intended to complement it.

Is movement appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Integrating breaks for movement throughout the school day could provide a broad variety of benefits. The research shows that physical activity is crucial for many reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. It is possible to invest in the future of your students whether you are a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a politician.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience. Because when students move they learn, develop and flourish.