Breaking Up Long Blocks with Physical Activity

The holistic development of the child is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. Academic rigor and test scores remain crucial, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activities during the school day is never greater. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis behind their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks, are brief periods of time during school hours when students are encouraged engage in physical activities. These breaks can range from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more formal games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities which require moving. Breaks for movement, in contrast to physical education classes that follow a curriculum, are frequent, short interruptions of sedentary class time. They aid in refocusing students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is their positive impact on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and teens should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Many students do not adhere to this advice due to the fact that they spend too many hours in the classroom.

Breaks in school for movement offer several health advantages:

• Enhance fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system and encourages healthy habits for life.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school results in better results, research has demonstrated that taking breaks to move during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen which are vital for the functioning of the brain.

The main academic benefits are:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• A greater focus on the task

According to studies, students who take movement breaks are more concentrated and have higher scores over those who don't.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The role of exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the school hours provides an opportunity to release any excess energy, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a more positive classroom environment.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for students with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. These students will benefit from exercise by regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic assignments.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because they are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to fit the needs of different age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning styles. Breaks for movement can range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They make sure that every student can succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories or themes to engage students.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Follow the progress: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine techniques.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity on video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on 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 classes. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How can we fit in the time needed to move, when our schedules are so jam-packed?

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or following times of intense focus. Even short activities can bring tangible benefits.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or are done standing beside desks. In small classrooms, sitting yoga, stretches in a chair, or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about individual benefits; it's about building the school's culture of health, well-being, and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students with better health and lower absences
• School spirit and community involvement are increased
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness programs, such as bullying prevention, nutrition education social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning could be linked to movement breaks.

Tips to get started

1. Start slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be constant. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Solicit feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to implement breaks for movement?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient exercises require no or little equipment, such as scarves or music, or even balls.

Integrating breaks for movement throughout the school day could provide a broad variety of benefits. Research shows that physical activity is crucial for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the future of our children's success.

Make movement an essential element of school life for every student. Students learn, grow and prosper when they move.