The Impact of Movement Breaks on Teacher Morale

The holistic development of the child is becoming more important in today's rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and more screen time are becoming the standard, the demand for purposeful, structured physical activity throughout the school day has never been greater. This guide will explain why movement breaks are an essential part of any school day, and the benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also known as brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day when students are motivated to engage in physical activities. The breaks may range from a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more formal exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that require moving. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined schedule, these breaks are short, frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to help students reenergize and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• In place running or jumping over jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks on the health of a person is among the strongest reasons for incorporating them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical movement each day. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Enhance cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and helps in the development of lifelong healthy lifestyles.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the notion that spending more time in school leads to better results, research shows that integrating breaks in movement can improve the academic level. Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

Key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• An increase in on-task behavior

According to studies, students who take movement breaks are more concentrated and have higher scores than those who do not.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age children. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is well known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to create a positive feeling
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

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

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from breaks in movement. Students with these conditions will benefit from exercise by regulating their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

The movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that each student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your daily routine

For Teachers

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their preferred exercise.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks confidently.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. The breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can facilitate live activities via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

Research shows that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not distracting.

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

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine, either to transition between different topics or following an intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

"What do we do if our classroom is limited?"

Some exercises can be completed at desks, or in a small space. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple arm and hand movements work well in small classrooms.

The Impact of Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about creating a culture in schools that promotes health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Students with healthier health and lower absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Higher satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are stronger

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities including social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs that combat bullying.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and build from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to start introducing breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break to move around. However, the duration of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for structured exercise. They are designed to supplement it.

Is movement appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient moves require little or no equipment, like scarves or music, or even balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear that movement is crucial. You can invest in the future of your students whether you're an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a politician.

Make movement an essential aspect of the school day for every student. Students learn, grow and flourish when they move.