Building a Movement Break Toolkit for Teachers

In today's ever-changing education system, the spotlight is increasingly 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 reveals a key factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time is becoming the commonplace. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science of the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also known as breaks for the brain break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day where students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, structured games or exercises, or mindfulness activities. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education that adhere to a curriculum, are frequent brief interruptions to sedentary class time. They help refocus students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in the same
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why it is important to break the movement of a person: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular physical activity breaks for 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 must engage in at least 60 minutes of physical movement each day. A majority of students fail to comply with this requirement due to the fact that they spend so many hours in class.

Breaks in school for movement offer several health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and helps you maintain healthy habits for life.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the belief that spending more time studying can lead to better grades Research has shown that incorporating movement breaks can actually enhance academic performance. Physical activity boosts circulation of blood to your brain. This helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased focus on task

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

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age children. The role of exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is widely known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Social interaction and teamwork

Exercise during the school hours provides an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger or anxiety, which can help to create a positive classroom environment.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other special needs can benefit from a break in their movement. These students will benefit from exercise to regulate their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic activities.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

The movement breaks can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches through interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student can thrive.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Have fun with it: Make use of stories, music or themes to entice students.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can lead live activities on video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

On the contrary studies show that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. Breaks for movement are an Investment into learning and not distracting.

"How do we find enough time to move in a packed schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule, either to transition between different topics or following intensive concentration. Even a short activity can provide noticeable advantages.

What happens if the space in which that we have available is not enough?

Certain activities can be done at desks, or in a smaller space. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple arm and hand movements work well in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture within schools that promotes well-being, health, and lifelong education. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Improved overall student health and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are increased
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness activities including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or programs to combat bullying.

Tips to Get Started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing breaks for movement?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient movements require minimal or no equipment, such as scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating movement breaks into every schoolday is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical fitness to improving mental well-being and classroom behavior The research proves: movement matters. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or even a 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 part of every student's school experience. Because when students move they learn, develop and flourish.