Empowering Student Leaders to Run Movement Breaks

The holistic growth of the student is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are now the norm. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule as well as the scientific basis of their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at 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 engage in physical activities. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, structured games or exercises, or mindfulness exercises. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in the same
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require 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 effects on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes of regular physical activity. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation due to the fact that they spend too many hours in the classroom.

School-based movement breaks provide a number of health benefits

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

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and encourages the creation of long-term healthy habits.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the notion that spending more time in school can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can enhance academic performance. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients which are vital for the functioning of the brain.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• More focused the amount of time spent on task.

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and achieve higher scores than students who don't.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

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

Emotional Benefits are:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during school day can provide an opportunity to release any excess tension, anger, or worry, helping to create a positive classroom environment.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, enhance executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to meet the requirements of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities breaks in the form of movement guarantee every student gets the chance to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

For Teachers

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. The breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can facilitate live activity sessions on video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

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

"How do we make time for movement in a packed schedule?"

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

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Some exercises can be completed at desks, or in a tiny space. In smaller classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

It's not just about personal benefits of having movement breaks into your school day; it's about creating a culture in schools that promotes health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students with better health and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are increased
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional learning can be incorporated into breaks for movement.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to start introducing breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break to move around. However, the duration of breaks can be altered according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not an alternative to organized physical education. They are meant to enhance it.

Is it appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective moves require no or little equipment, such as scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating movements into your school day is a simple approach that has proven advantages. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear: movement matters. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or even a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the next generation's success.

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