Evaluating Movement Break Programs: What Works

The overall growth of the student is increasingly crucial in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. The quality of their education and the scores they score are important however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial element often overlooked: movement breaks 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 now the norm. This guide will explore the reason why break time is an essential part of any school day, the benefits they offer and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks are short breaks during school hours when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, or other structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed curriculum, movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to help students reenergize and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Guided breathing paired with 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 most compelling reasons for including them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children take part in 60 minutes of regular exercise. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation due to the fact that they spend long hours in school.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and promotes lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

In contrast to the popular belief that a longer time at school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking breaks to move during classes can enhance academic performance . Physical activity boosts blood flow to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for brain function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• 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 Well-being

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many children who are in school. Movement breaks play a significant part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the school day can provide an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger or anxiety, assisting to create a positive classroom environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and difficulties with sensory processing, or any other needs. These students can benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Since movement breaks are adaptable, they can be tailored to fit the needs of various age groups and physical abilities as well as learning methods. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, movement breaks make sure that every student is able to succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your schedule

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Establish guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct breaks with confidence.
• Follow the progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Research shows that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in class. Movement breaks are an Investment in learning, not distracting.

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

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into the transition between subjects or after periods of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

Some exercises can be completed standing next to desks or in a smaller space. In small classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The impact of movement breaks on the school culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about fostering the school's culture of well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize exercise are likely to have:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities, such as social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs that combat bullying.

Start with these Tips

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to implement movement breaks?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movements suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement need no equipment, or just simple items like balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching benefits. Research shows that exercise is essential for many reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks can be a significant investment in the next generation's success.

Making movement a vital element of school life for every student. Learners grow and prosper when they move.