Communicating the Value of Movement Breaks to Stakeholders

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape The spotlight is now turning to the holistic development of students. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body research highlights an element that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the norm. This guide will explain the reason why break time is an essential part of any school day, the advantages they bring, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short breaks during the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed schedule, these breaks are short, frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to help students reenergize and refresh their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in the same
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily exercise breaks on health is one of the most compelling reasons for including these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of exercise. But, many children do not meet this requirement because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

School breaks during movement offer several health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system and promotes good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the notion that spending more time studying will result in better performance Research has shown that incorporating movement breaks can actually improve the academic level. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive functioning.

Key academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• More focused focus on task behavior

Studies have found that students who get breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Exercise during the school hours provides an outlet for the accumulated anger, frustration, or worry, helping to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, improve executive function, and better take on academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because movement breaks are easily adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the needs of various age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning style. Breaks for movement can be anything from simple chair stretching all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that each student can thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories, or themes to entice students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Follow the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. The breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers may lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How can we fit in the time needed to move, when our schedules are so jam-packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or during times that require 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 performed by standing in front of desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretches, chair-yoga, or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about personal benefits, it's about fostering the school's culture of wellbeing, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students with better health and more absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Academic results that are stronger

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness activities, such as social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or anti-bullying programs.

Start with these Tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient movements require little or no equipment, including scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. From improving academic performance to improving physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear that movement is important. It is possible to invest in the future of your students, whether you are an administrator or teacher as well as a parent or politician.

Make movement an essential part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, develop and thrive when they move.