Building Movement Breaks into IEPs

In today's rapidly evolving education system The spotlight is now focused on the holistic student's development. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more important. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are now the standard. This guide will explore the reason why break time is essential to every school day, and the benefits they offer and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also known as breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day when students are motivated to engage in physical activities. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more formal games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that require moving. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to re-energize students and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks on health is among the most compelling reasons for including them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes of daily exercise. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation because they spend so many hours in class.

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

• Enhance cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the belief that spending more time studying can lead to better grades Research has shown that incorporating movement breaks can actually increase the academic level. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are essential for cognitive functioning.

Key academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• Increased the amount of time spent on task.

Studies have found that students who are given breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate better achievement scores than those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression impact a lot of children of school age. The movement breaks play an important role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and collaboration

Physical activity during the school day provides an outlet for the accumulated energy, frustration, or worry, helping to create a more positive school environment.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or any other needs. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, enhancing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Because they are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the needs of different age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning methods. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities, breaks in the form of movement ensure each student has the opportunity to thrive.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories, or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Engage 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 or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Virtual learning is no different. Breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can either facilitate video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

However studies show that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we make the time to move if our schedules are so jam-packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or during periods that require intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

Many activities that require only a little space or are done sitting at desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretches, chair-yoga, or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about the individual benefit; it's about fostering a school culture that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

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

Start by implementing these tips

1. Begin slow: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be adjusted to suit each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't as a substitute for structured physical education. They are meant to complement it.

Is it suitable for all ages of 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, music, or balls.

Integrating breaks to move into the daily school routine can provide a vast array of advantages. The research shows that movement is important for a variety of reasons that include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the next generation's success.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve and prosper.