Addressing Equity in Access to Movement Breaks

The holistic development of the child is becoming increasingly important in the current rapidly evolving education system. While academic rigor and 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 structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more vital. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the standard. In this article we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis that explains their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks are brief periods of time during school hours when students are encouraged to participate with physical activity. They can be anything from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises that require movement. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to classes that are sedentary. They aid in refocusing students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in the same
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve 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 exercise breaks for the health of a person is one of the most compelling reasons for including them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents must engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical movement each day. But, many children fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Increase fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Help with weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system and helps you maintain good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

In contrast to the popular belief that spending more time in school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking a break in class can boost academic performance . Physical activity increases the blood flow to the brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive functioning.

The main benefits for academics include:

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

The results of studies have shown that students who get breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have greater achievement scores when compared with those without such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental wellbeing of students is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. The role of 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
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can help to let go of any tension, frustration or worry. This will create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD or sensory processing problems or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. Students with these conditions will benefit from exercise to regulate their energy levels, increasing their executive functioning and completing academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to make sure that each student is able to excel.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories or themes to keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking movement breaks.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. The breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

Research has shown that students who move regularly are more focused and productive in class. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or following times of intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

"What is the best course to take if space isn't enough?"

Certain activities can be done standing next to desks or in a small space. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even basic hand and arm movements can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the school culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about personal benefits, it's about building a school culture that values wellbeing, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Students with healthier health and lower absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

Other wellness programs, such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional learning can be incorporated into the breaks in your exercise.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be regular: 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 your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute movement breaks?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be adjusted to fit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only basic items such as scarves, balls, or music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. From improving academic performance to improving physical fitness to improving mental well-being and classroom behavior It's clear from the research: movement matters. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you're a teacher or administrator, a parent or a policymaker.

Make movement an essential part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, grow and thrive by moving.