Inclusive Movement Breaks for Neurodiverse Students

The overall development of the child is becoming increasingly important in the current rapidly evolving educational environment. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research reveals an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are becoming the norm. This guide will explore the reasons why breaks for movement are an essential part of any school day, and the benefits they offer and provide practical tips for administrators and teachers.

What are movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also called brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. They can be anything from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more structured games, exercises or mindfulness exercises which require moving. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent brief interruptions to sedentary class time. They help refocus students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in the same
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of physical activity breaks for health is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of physical activity. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and encourages healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that a longer time at school leads to 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, which delivers nutrients and oxygen which are vital to cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more concentrated and score higher than those who do not.

3. Mental Well-being

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

Emotional Benefits are:

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

Exercise during the school day provides an outlet for the accumulated anger, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a more positive school environment.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. These students will benefit from exercise to regulate their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to group-based activities that are interactive, breaks in the form of movement make sure that that every child gets the chance to thrive.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Enjoy it: Use music, stories or themes to entice students.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: 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 training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve methods.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. The breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can either lead video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in class. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we make the time to move during a packed schedule?"

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine, either to transition between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

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

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. In small classrooms, sitting yoga, stretches in a chair, or simple arm and hand movements can be effective.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on School Culture

It's not just about personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture within schools that promotes health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Schools that emphasize movement tend to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• More academically successful

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities, such as social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and programs to combat bullying.

Tips to get started

1. Start slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and 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)

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 altered to meet each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for organized physical education. They are meant to enhance it.

Is it appropriate for all children?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective moves require no or little equipment, such as scarves, music, or balls.

Integrating breaks to move into the daily school routine can provide a vast array of advantages. From improving academic performance to improving physical health, to promoting mental well-being and classroom behavior It's clear from the research that movement is crucial. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is a way to invest in the next generation's success.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience--because when students move, they learn, grow, and thrive.