From Resistance to Routine: Making Movement Normal

The holistic development of the child is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing education system. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are becoming the commonplace. This guide will explain the reasons why breaks for movement are an essential part of any school day, the benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies for administrators and teachers.

What are the definitions of movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also known as breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short breaks during the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, or other structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. Unlike physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to re-energize students and refocus their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• 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. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation due to long hours spent in class.

Movement breaks in schools can provide a variety of health advantages:

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and encourages good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief that spending more time studying will result in better performance Research has shown that incorporating movement breaks can actually enhance the academic level. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

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

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

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental health of students is an increasing concern with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. Movement breaks play a significant part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the day can assist to let go of any tension, frustration or worry. This can create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other special needs can benefit from breaks in movement. They can benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches up to interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student can succeed.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important in long blocks of instruction.
• Make it easy: 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.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Follow the progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can lead live activities through video calls, or give movement-related challenges to students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the classroom?

Research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in classes. Movement breaks are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

How do we find time to move when our schedule is so packed?

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into the transition between subjects or following time of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

Many movement activities require little space or can be done by standing in front of desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that values wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students with better health and more absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• Higher satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness programs, such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning can be aligned with breaks for movement.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Get creative: 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)

What is the best time to start introducing movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools have a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the duration of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Breaks in movement aren't as a substitute for structured exercise. They are meant to complement it.

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or simple items like balls, scarves, or even music.

Incorporating breaks for movement throughout the school day can provide a vast range of benefits. The research shows that physical activity is crucial for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. You can invest in the future of your children, whether you're a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a policymaker.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move, they learn, grow, and thrive.