Linking Movement Breaks to School Wellness Policies

In the current rapidly changing educational environment the spotlight is focused on the holistic development of students. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain important however, a growing body of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities 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 commonplace. This guide will explain the reasons why breaks for movement are an important part of every school day, and the benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also called breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day where students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks can range from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more structured exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities which require moving. Unlike physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined program, the movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular movement breaks on the health of a person is among the most compelling reasons for including these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of exercise. However, many students do not meet this requirement due to long hours spent in the classroom.

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

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that spending more time in school leads to better results, research has demonstrated that taking movement breaks in class can boost the academic level of students . Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This provides nutrients and oxygen that are essential to brain function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• Increased the amount of time spent on task.

Studies have found that students who receive 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 an issue that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many youngsters of school age. The importance of regular exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity throughout the day can help to let go of any tension, frustration or worry. This will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD, sensory processing issues or any other specific needs may benefit from breaks in movement. Physical activity can help these students control their energy levels, improve executive function, and help them better perform in academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks are easily modified to accommodate the needs of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They make sure that each student can succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in long instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require little equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it! Use music, stories, or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide breaks with confidence.
• Follow the progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine methods.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers may facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related challenges to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

On the contrary, research shows that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. The movement breaks are an investment into learning and not a distraction.

"How do we find time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule in order to switch between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even short activities can bring noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or are done sitting at desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple hand and arm exercises are effective in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about fostering the school's culture of well-being, health, and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize exercise are likely to have:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• More academically successful

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness initiatives, such as social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs that combat bullying.

Start with these Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and increase it from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to introduce breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the frequency of breaks is adjustable in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching benefits. Research shows that movement is important for a myriad of reasons which include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. You can make a difference in the lives 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, improve and flourish.