Using Art and Movement Together

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic growth of students. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and more screen time are becoming the commonplace, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity throughout the school day has never been greater. In this article we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine and uncover the science that explains 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. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more organized games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities which require movement. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Stretching or Yoga 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 most compelling reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is their positive impact on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and teens should engage in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation due to the fact that they spend so many hours in class.

Moving breaks in schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Enhance fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and helps in the development of lifelong healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that spending more time in school leads to better grades, research has shown that taking a break in class can boost the academic level of students . Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients which are vital for the functioning of the brain.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• An increase in the amount of time spent on task.

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

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

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

Emotional Benefits include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to make you feel good
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during school day can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger or anxiety, which can help to create a positive school environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for students with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and problems with sensory processing or any other needs. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better participate in academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because movement breaks are adaptable they can be tailored to meet the needs of various age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning styles. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They guarantee that every student can thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity via video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

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

How do we find time to move when our schedules are jammed?

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine in order to switch between topics or after intensive concentration. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

"What if our classroom space is limited?"

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

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about individual benefits; it's about building a school culture that values health, well-being, and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Higher academic performance

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness initiatives, such as social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs to combat bullying.

Start with these Tips

1. Begin slow: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of your daily 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 start introducing movement breaks?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes but the frequency can be adjusted to fit each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is a simple approach that has proven benefits. Research shows that movement is important for a myriad of reasons that include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. You can invest in the future of your students whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a policymaker.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience--because when students move, they learn, grow and prosper.