Movement Breaks and Brain Development

In today's rapidly evolving educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the holistic student's development. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain crucial, but a growing body of research has revealed a vital aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are becoming the commonplace. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis of their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks are short breaks during school hours when students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness activities. Unlike physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time intended to boost students' energy and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place or jumping over jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is their positive effects on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children take part in 60 minutes of daily exercise. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health benefits:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and promotes good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the belief that spending more time studying will result in better performance, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can improve academic performance. Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients that are essential to cognitive function.

The main benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

The results of studies have shown that students who get breaks to move return to work more focused and have better achievement scores than those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is well known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and make you feel good
• Teamwork and social interaction

Exercise during the school hours provides a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger or anxiety, which can help to create a more positive classroom environment.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and difficulties with sensory processing, or with other disabilities. Physical activity can help these students regulate their energy levels, boost executive function, and help them better perform in academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Since movement breaks are adaptable they can be tailored to fit the needs of various age groups and physical abilities as well as learning style. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities breaks in the form of movement guarantee every student gets the chance to excel.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your schedule

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct breaks with confidence.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally important in virtual learning. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity through video calls, or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

On the contrary, research shows that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Movement breaks are an investment into learning and not distracting.

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

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule in order to switch between different topics or following an intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

"What if our classroom space isn't enough?"

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a smaller space. In small classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or even simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The impact of movement breaks on School Culture

It's not only about the personal benefits of having movement breaks; it's also about creating a culture in schools that promotes health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize exercise are likely to have:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are boosted
• Higher teacher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness initiatives, such as social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and programs that combat bullying.

Tips to get started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break to walk around. However, the duration of breaks can be adjusted depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating breaks for exercise into the daily school routine can have a wide variety of benefits. The research suggests that exercise is essential for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the success of the next generation.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience. Because when students move, they learn, grow, and thrive.