Empowering Student Leaders to Run Movement Breaks

The holistic development of the student is becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing education system. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as increasing screen time becomes the standard, the demand for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day has never been more urgent. This guide will explore the reasons why breaks for movement are an important part of every school day, what benefits they provide and provide practical tips 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 with physical activity. These breaks can range from short periods of dancing or stretching to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises which require movement. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions of sedentary class time intended to boost students' energy and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with 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 the positive effect they have on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of physical activity. But, many children do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

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

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

In contrast to the popular belief that more time spent in school will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking breaks to move in class can boost the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

The key academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

The results of studies have shown that students who get breaks for movement return to their work with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than those without such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

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

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Opportunity for social interaction and teamwork

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to let go of any tension anger, stress or anxiety. This creates positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or any other needs. Physical activity can help these students regulate their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair up to interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student is able to thrive.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your day

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require little equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it! Use music, stories, or themes to engage students.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. The breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can facilitate live activity sessions via video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research shows that students who move regularly are more focused and productive in classes. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we find enough time to move in a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or during times of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

"What is the best course to take if space isn't enough?"

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a small space. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple hand and arm movements can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about personal benefits, it's about fostering the school's culture of wellbeing, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are enhanced
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness activities, such as social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs that combat bullying.

Start with these Tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement movement breaks?

Experts suggest schools take a 30-minute break to walk around. But, the frequency of breaks can be altered in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is it appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating movement breaks into every school day is an easy approach that has proven benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear: movement matters. You can invest in the future of your students whether you're a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a politician.

Make movement an essential aspect of the school day for every student. Learners develop and prosper by moving.