Building a Movement Break Toolkit for Teachers

The overall development of the child is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as increased screen time become the commonplace, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day has never been more important. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule, uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also called breaks for the brain break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day during which students are required to participate in physical activity. They can be anything from a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more structured exercises, games or mindfulness exercises which require moving. Movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow the same curriculum, are frequently brief interruptions to classes that are sedentary. They help refocus students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga or stretching 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

One of the strongest reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive effects on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes of physical activity. Yet, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.

School breaks during movement offer several health advantages:

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

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

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the widely held belief that spending more time in school results in better grades, research has shown that taking a break in class can boost academic performance . Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

The most important benefits for academics include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Focus on the task is increased.

Research has shown that students who are given breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for students of school age. The movement breaks play an important role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

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

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to release pent up energy, frustration or worry. This can create a positive classroom atmosphere.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD, sensory processing issues or any other specific needs may benefit from movement breaks. Students with these conditions can benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, enhancing executive function and participating in academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

The movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities, breaks in the form of movement make sure that that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your day

For Teachers

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as running, jumping, or quick games.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their preferred movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity on video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

Research has shown that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in classes. The breaks during movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we make time to move when our schedules are jammed?

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine for transitions between subjects or to recover from an intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

Some exercises can be completed at desks, or in a smaller space. In small classrooms, sitting yoga, stretches in a chair, or just simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that promotes health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning can be aligned with movement breaks.

Start with these Tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and build from there.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Get feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for structured physical education. They are meant to complement it.

Is it appropriate for all children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized to preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Integrating breaks for movement into each school day can have a wide variety of benefits. The research suggests that movement is important for many reasons that include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the future of our children's success.

Make movement an essential element of school life for every student. Learners develop and thrive by moving.