Celebrating Physical Activity Month in Schools

In today's ever-changing educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the holistic development of students. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain important however, a growing amount of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time is becoming the commonplace. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine, uncover the science of the benefits of these breaks, and present concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at 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 participate with physical activity. The breaks may range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more structured games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that involve movement. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Light movement

Why it is important to break the movement of a person: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive effects on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activity daily. A lot of students don't comply with this requirement due to the fact that they spend so many hours in class.

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

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Support healthy weight management
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system, and also encourages the creation of long-term healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

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

The key academic benefits are:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

Studies have found that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many students of school age. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and encouraging mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

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

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. Physical activity can help these students manage their energy levels, boost executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. The types of breaks offered be anything from simple chair stretching through interactive group exercises. They ensure that each child is able to thrive.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your daily routine

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching, or quick games.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music or themes to get students involved.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as essential during online learning. Teachers can lead live activities via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research shows that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in classes. Breaks for movement are an investment into learning and not a distraction.

"How can we create the time to move during a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or during periods that require intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

What happens if the space in which that we have available is not enough?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space, or can be performed by standing in front of desks. Seated stretches, chair yoga or even simple hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

It's not just about personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture within schools that promotes well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• More academically successful

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

Tips to get started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and build from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to start introducing movement breaks?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Integrating breaks for movement throughout the school day can provide a vast variety of benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical health to supporting mental well-being and classroom behavior It's clear from the research that movement is crucial. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you are an administrator or teacher as well as a parent or politician.

Make movement an essential part of the school experience for all students. Students learn, grow and prosper when they move.