Linking Movement Breaks to School Wellness Policies

The overall growth of the student is increasingly crucial in the rapidly changing educational landscape. The quality of their education and the scores they score are important however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more vital. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are becoming the norm. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule, uncover the science of the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks, are brief periods of time in the school day when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness-based activities. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• In place running or jumping jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is their positive impact on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children take part in 60 minutes of regular physical activity. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent in the classroom.

Movement Breaks in Schools provide a number of health benefits

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

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and encourages 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 will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are essential for cognitive functioning.

Key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• Increased focus on task

The results of studies have shown that students who receive breaks for movement return to their work with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than those without such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is an issue that concerns many students. Stress, anxiety and depression impact a lot of students who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to release the tension, frustration or worry. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or problems with sensory processing or with other disabilities. These students can benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, enhancing executive function and participating in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because they can be easily adapted, they can be tailored to meet the needs of different age groups, physical abilities, and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities, movement breaks guarantee that every child gets the chance to succeed.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories, or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine methods.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Movement breaks are just as essential during online learning. Teachers can facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

Research shows that students who move regularly are more focused and productive in class. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not distracting.

How do we make time to move when our schedule is so packed?

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine for transitions between topics or after an intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

"What do we do if our classroom is limited?"

Some activities can be performed standing next to desks or in a tiny space. In small classrooms, sitting yoga, stretches in a chair, or just simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about individual benefits; it's about fostering the school's culture of health, well-being and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are boosted
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• More academically successful

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education, social-emotional training, and social-emotional learning can be incorporated into the breaks in your exercise.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Begin slow: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are movements appropriate for all children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement require no equipment or only simple objects like balls, scarves or even music.

Integrating breaks for movement throughout the school day can provide a vast range of benefits. The research suggests that movement is important for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behaviour. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the next generation's success.

Let's make it a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move, they learn, grow and prosper.