Student-Designed Movement Break Activities

In today's ever-changing educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic growth of students. The quality of their education and the scores they score are important however, a growing amount of research reveals a key 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 activity throughout the school day has never been more important. This guide will explain the reason why break time is essential to every school day, the advantages they bring and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are 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 engage with physical activity. These breaks can range from short periods of dancing or stretching to more formal exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that require movement. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and refresh their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• In place running or jumping over jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive effects on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activity daily. But, many children do not meet this requirement because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

School breaks during movement can provide a variety of health benefits:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Help with weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and helps in the growth of healthy habits.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the belief that more time on academics can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating breaks in movement can enhance the academic level. Physical activity boosts circulation of blood to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

The main academic benefits include:

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

Studies have found that students who get breaks for movement return to their work with greater concentration and show greater achievement scores when compared with those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of youngsters of school age. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the day can help to release pent up energy, frustration or worry. This can create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or other special needs. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, improve their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

The movement breaks can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities breaks in the form of movement ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, stories, or themes to keep students engaged.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead breaks with confidence.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can conduct live activities on video calls or assign movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Studies show that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in class. The movement breaks are an investment into learning and not distracting.

How can we fit in the time needed to move, when our schedule is so packed?

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or during times of intense focus. Even brief activity provides significant advantages.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed sitting at desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even simple hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about individual benefits; it's about fostering the school's culture of wellbeing, health, and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• School spirit and community involvement are increased
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness initiatives including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or anti-bullying programs.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and increase it from there.
2. Be constant. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to introduce movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break for movement. But, the frequency of breaks can be altered depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. The movement breaks aren't as a substitute for structured exercise. They are intended to enhance it.

Are movements appropriate for all ages of children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only basic items such as scarves, balls, or music.

Incorporating breaks to move throughout the school day can have a wide variety of benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical fitness to improving wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research: movement matters. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you are a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or policymaker.

Make movement an essential element of school life for every student. Students learn, develop and thrive by moving.