Movement Breaks and the Fight Against Childhood Obesity

In the current rapidly changing educational environment the spotlight is shifting to the overall student's development. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body research highlights an element that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are becoming the norm. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine and uncover the science behind their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are brief periods during the school day where students are required to participate in physical activities. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, structured games or exercises, or mindfulness activities. In contrast to physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are short, frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time intended to boost students' energy and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping jacks
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily movement breaks for the health of a person is among the main reasons to incorporate these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of physical activity. A majority of students fail to comply with this requirement due to the fact that they spend too many hours in the classroom.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Combating 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 the belief that spending more time studying will result in better performance studies show that integrating movement breaks can actually enhance academic performance. Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This provides nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

The key academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Increased on-task behavior

Research has shown that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is a growing concern, with anxiety, stress, and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental well-being is well-known.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

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

Physical activity throughout the day can help to release pent up energy, frustration or worry. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), problems with sensory processing or any other needs. They will benefit from exercise by regulating their energy levels, improving executive function and participating in academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They make sure that each student can thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music or themes to engage students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Follow progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is no different. The breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can either facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related tasks they can complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

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

"How do we make time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or after times of intense focus. Even a short activity can provide noticeable benefits.

"What do we do if our classroom isn't enough?"

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed by standing in front of desks. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple hand and arm movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on School Culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about personal benefits, it's about fostering a school culture that values well-being, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that emphasize exercise are likely to have:

• Students with healthier health and more absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• More academically successful

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional learning can be incorporated into breaks for movement.

Tips to get started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to implement movement breaks?

Experts suggest schools have a 30-minute break to walk around. But, the frequency of breaks can be altered according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are exercise breaks suitable for all ages?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient moves require little or no equipment, like scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is an easy approach that has proven benefits. The research suggests that exercise is essential for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the next generation's success.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience. Because when students move, they learn, grow, and thrive.