Improving Attendance with Movement-Focused Interventions

In today's rapidly evolving educational environment the spotlight is turning to the holistic student's development. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and more screen time are becoming the norm, the need for structured, purposeful physical activities during the school day has never been more urgent. This guide will explain the reason why break time is an important part of every school day, and the benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

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

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in the same
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily movement breaks for health is one of the most compelling reasons for including them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children engage in 60 minutes of exercise. But, many children fall short of this recommendation because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

Moving breaks in schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Improve your fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and helps in the growth of healthy habits.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that spending more time in school results in better grades, research has shown that taking a break during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are crucial to cognitive function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased focus on task

According to research the students who have movement breaks are more focused and score higher than those who do not.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of youngsters of school age. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is widely known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can assist to let go of any tension, frustration or worry. This will create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), difficulties with sensory processing, or with other disabilities. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, boost executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to group-based activities that are interactive, breaks in the form of movement ensure that every child gets the chance to succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Fun: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide breaks with confidence.
• Track progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Movement breaks are just as important. Teachers can either lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the classroom?

Research has shown that students who move regularly are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we make time to move when our schedules are jammed?

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule for transitions between different topics or following an intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

"What if our classroom space is limited?"

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or can be done sitting at desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or even simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Impact of School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that values well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• More academically successful

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education, social-emotional training, and social-emotional learning can be incorporated into movement breaks.

Tips to get started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing movement breaks?

Experts suggest schools have a 30-minute break to move around. But, the frequency of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for structured physical education. They are designed to enhance it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities do not require any equipment or basic items such as balls, scarves, or even music.

Integrating breaks for movement into each school day could provide a broad range of benefits. Research shows that physical activity is crucial for many reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the future of our children's success.

Include movement as an integral part of the school experience for all students. Students learn, develop and thrive by moving.