Simple Equipment for Classroom Movement Breaks

The overall development of the student is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing educational environment. 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 becoming the commonplace. This guide will discuss the reason why break time is an essential part of any school day, what benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks, are short periods in the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. The breaks may range from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that involve moving. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed curriculum, movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is the positive effect they have on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of daily physical activity. However, many students fall short of this recommendation due to long hours spent sitting in classrooms.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and encourages the growth of healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school results in better grades, research has shown that taking breaks to move during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• More focused the amount of time spent on task.

According to studies, students who take movement breaks are more concentrated and achieve higher scores than students who don't.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age children. The movement breaks play an important role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

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

Exercise during the school hours provides an opportunity to release any excess energy, frustration or anxiety, assisting to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from a break in their movement. These students benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks are easily modified to meet the requirements of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities movement breaks guarantee every student is able to excel.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your schedule

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories or themes to entice students.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

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

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

However, research shows that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive, and more efficient during lessons. Movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not an interruption.

"How do we make the time to move during a packed schedule?"

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine, either to transition between topics or after intense concentration. Even short activities can bring significant advantages.

"What do we do if our classroom isn't enough?"

Some exercises can be completed at desks, or in a smaller space. In small classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about individual benefits; it's about fostering an environment that promotes well-being, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower burnout rates
• Academic results that are stronger

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities like social-emotional education, nutrition education, and programs that combat bullying.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Be regular: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for organized exercise. They are intended to complement it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored 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 little or no equipment, including scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is a simple, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching advantages. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is crucial. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the future of our children's success.

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