Tips for New Teachers: Starting with Movement Breaks

In today's ever-changing education system, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the overall development of students. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as more screen time are becoming the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activity during the school day has never been more important. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine, uncover the science that explains their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also known as breaks for the brain break, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are brief periods during the school day where students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They help refocus students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running in the same
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is their positive effects on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of regular physical activity. However, many students fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

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

• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

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

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the widely held 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 nutrients and oxygen which are vital for cognitive functioning.

The key academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased the amount of time spent on task.

The results of studies have shown that students who get movement breaks return to tasks with greater concentration and show higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental health of children is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety, and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is widely known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

Physical activity during the day can assist to release pent up energy anger, stress or anxiety. This can create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, boost executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because movement breaks can be easily adapted, they can be tailored to meet the needs of different ages and physical abilities as well as learning methods. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They make sure that each student can succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their preferred exercise.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can facilitate live sessions of activity via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

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

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

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or after periods that require intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

What happens if the space in which we have isn't enough?

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a smaller space. Seated stretches, chair yoga or even simple arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that prioritize exercise are likely to have:

• Improved overall student health and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are boosted
• Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• More academically successful

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness activities like social-emotional education, nutrition education, or programs to combat bullying.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to, but 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. Many effective movement activities do not require any equipment or simple objects like scarves, balls, or even music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear: movement matters. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you're a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or policymaker.

Making movement a vital aspect of the school day for every student. Students learn, grow and prosper when they move.