Building a Movement Break Toolkit for Teachers

The overall development of the child is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more important. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are now the commonplace. In this guide we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a key element of any school's daily routine, uncover the science that explains their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks, are short breaks in the school day when students are encouraged engage in physical activities. These breaks can include stretching, dancing, more structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is their positive impact on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. But, many children aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

Moving breaks in schools provide a number of health benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and helps in the growth of healthy routines.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the belief that more time on academics can lead to better grades Research has shown that incorporating breaks for movement can increase academic performance. Physical activity boosts blood flow to your brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

Research has shown that students who are given breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many students who are in school. Movement breaks play a significant role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to make you feel good
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to release pent up energy anger, stress or anxiety. This will create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from a break in their movement. These students benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, increasing the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to make sure that that every child is able to excel.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your schedule

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep students entertained.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Movement breaks are equally crucial. Teachers can lead live activity sessions on video calls or assign movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

Research shows that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in class. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we find the time needed to move, when our schedules are jammed?

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine for transitions between different topics or following intense concentration. Even brief activity provides tangible advantages.

What happens if the space in which we have isn't enough?

Many activities that require only a little space, or can be performed sitting at desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Impact of School Culture and Movement Breaks

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about individual benefits; it's about creating an environment that promotes wellbeing, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students with better health and more absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• More teacher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness programs, such as bullying prevention, nutrition education and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning can be aligned with the breaks in your exercise.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and increase it from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools have a 30-minute break to move around. However, the frequency of breaks can be altered depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Movement breaks are not an alternative to regular exercise. They are designed to enhance it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating movement breaks into every schoolday is a simple approach that has proven benefits. The research shows that exercise is essential for many reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you are a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a policymaker.

Make movement an essential aspect of the school day for every student. Students learn, develop and thrive by moving.