Building a Movement Break Toolkit for Teachers

The holistic development of the student is becoming increasingly important in the current rapidly evolving educational environment. Test scores and academic rigor remain important, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the standard. This guide will explain why movement breaks are essential to every school day, what benefits they offer and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of 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 in physical activities. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent brief interruptions to sedentary class time. They help refocus students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is the positive effect they have on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation because they are occupied for too many hours in the classroom.

School-based movement breaks Provide a variety of health benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Obesity in children is a problem

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

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the notion that spending more time in school leads to better results Research has shown that incorporating breaks in movement can improve academic performance. Physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Increased on-task behavior

The results of studies have shown that students who receive breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental health of children is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age children. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and promoting mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

Exercise during the school day can provide an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger or anxiety, assisting to create a positive school environment.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. Physical activity can help students manage their energy levels, enhance their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

The movement breaks are easily modified to accommodate the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities, movement breaks ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories or themes to entice students.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate these breaks.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Follow the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

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

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

Studies show that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in classes. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we make enough time to move in an already packed schedule?"

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or following periods of intense focus. Even short activities can bring tangible benefits.

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

Many movement activities require little space or are done standing beside desks. In smaller classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or even simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture in schools that values health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Students with better health and lower absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are boosted
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Higher academic performance

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness initiatives including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or 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 creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Get feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to start introducing breaks for movement?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be adjusted to fit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for organized physical education. They are intended to enhance it.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted to preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient exercises require minimal or no equipment, including scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is an easy approach that has proven advantages. Research shows that movement is important for many reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the future of our children's success.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience. Because when students move they learn, develop and flourish.