Movement Breaks in After-School Programs

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the holistic growth of students. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain important, but a growing body of research reveals a key aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the norm. This guide will explore the reason why break time is an essential part of any school day, what benefits they offer, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are brief periods during the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more organized games, exercises or mindfulness activities. In contrast to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to re-energize students and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular exercise breaks on the health of a person is one of the most compelling reasons for including 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.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy 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 scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks during class can improve the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients that are crucial to cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

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

Studies have found that students who get breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show greater achievement scores when compared with those without such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental health of students is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is widely known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released and give you a feeling of happiness
• Opportunity for social interaction and collaboration

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to release the tension, frustration or worry. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for students with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. These students will benefit from exercise by regulating their energy levels, improving the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

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

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep your students interested.
• 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 a break to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

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

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the classroom?

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create the time to move during a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or following time that require intense concentration. Even short activities can bring noticeable benefits.

What happens if the space in which we have is limited?

Many movement activities require little space or are done standing beside desks. In small classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or simple arm and hand movements can be effective.

The impact of movement breaks on the school culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about the individual benefit; it's about fostering an environment that promotes well-being, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students with better health and less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• More satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness programs including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or programs that combat bullying.

Tips to get started

1. Begin slow: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
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 implement breaks for movement?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, but the timing can be altered to meet each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Integrating breaks for movement into each school day can provide a vast variety of benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom The research proves: movement matters. It is possible to invest in the future of your students whether you're an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a politician.

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