Linking Movement Breaks to School Wellness Policies

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape The spotlight is now turning to the holistic development of students. Test scores and academic rigor are important however, a growing body of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as more screen time are becoming the commonplace, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day has never been greater. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis behind the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks, are short periods during school hours when students are encouraged to participate with physical activity. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, or other structured games or exercises, or mindfulness activities. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom intended to boost students' energy and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily exercise breaks on health is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of daily physical activity. A majority of students fail to comply with this requirement because they are occupied for long hours in school.

School breaks during movement offer several health advantages:

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

Regular exercise improves your immune system and promotes lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

In contrast to the popular belief that a longer time at school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks in class can boost academic performance . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen which are vital to cognitive function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• An increase in focus on task behavior

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more focused and achieve higher scores than students who don't.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety and depression plaguing many school-age children. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental well-being is well-known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and make you feel good
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can assist to release the tension anger, stress or anxiety. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or any other specific needs may benefit from breaks in movement. Students with these conditions can benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, increasing the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic assignments.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Since movement breaks can be easily adapted they can be tailored to fit the needs of different ages and physical abilities as well as learning methods. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks ensure each student is able to 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, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Keep it simple: 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 entice students.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Follow the progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. The breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity through video calls, or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not distracting.

"How do we make enough time to move in an already packed schedule?"

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or following time of intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

What happens if the space in which we have is limited?

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

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the school culture

It's not just about personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that is centered around well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower burnout rates
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness-related initiatives, like education on nutrition, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional learning can be incorporated into movement breaks.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and increase it from there.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools take a 30-minute break for movement. But, the duration of breaks is adjustable in accordance with the needs of each school.

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. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or simple items like scarves, balls, or even music.

Integrating breaks for movement throughout the school day can provide a vast range of benefits. Research shows that physical activity is crucial for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. You can make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you are a teacher or administrator, a parent or a politician.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, develop and prosper.