Keeping Movement Breaks Fresh: Avoiding Repetition

In the current rapidly changing educational environment the spotlight is shifting to the overall student's development. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body research highlights an element that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized, purposeful physical activity in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are becoming the norm. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule as well as the scientific basis behind the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are brief periods during the school day when students are motivated to engage in physical activities. They can be anything from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities which require moving. Movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in the same
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• 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

The positive effects of daily movement breaks for health is one of the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children take part in 60 minutes of regular physical activity. However, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

Movement breaks in schools offer several health benefits:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Help with weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and encourages the growth of healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school results in better grades, research has shown that taking a break during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are essential for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

Research has shown that students who receive movement breaks return to tasks 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

Mental health is a concern that concerns many students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of students who are in school. The movement breaks play an important part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during school day provides an opportunity to release any excess energy, frustration, or worry, helping to create a more positive classroom environment.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or any other specific needs may benefit from a break in their movement. They will benefit from exercise to regulate their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic assignments.

Create inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks can be easily adapted to meet the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches up to interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each child can thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking movement breaks.
• Establish guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity on video calls or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

On the contrary studies show that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How can we fit in the time needed to move, when our schedules are jammed?

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine, either to transition between subjects or to recover from intensive concentration. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space, or can be performed by standing in front of desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have more absences
• School spirit and community involvement are enhanced
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness programs, such as bullying prevention, nutrition education and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional learning can be incorporated into breaks for movement.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be constant. Include movement in your 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 are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to introduce movement breaks?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes but the frequency can be altered to meet each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. The movement breaks aren't an alternative to organized exercise. They are meant to complement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

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. Certain of the most effective exercises require no or little equipment, including scarves or music, or even balls.

Incorporating breaks for movement into the daily school routine can have a wide array of advantages. The research shows that movement is important for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. If you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the next generation's success.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience. Why? Because when kids move, they learn, grow and flourish.