The Role of Parents in Movement Break Advocacy

The holistic development of the child is increasingly crucial in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful 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 norm. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science of the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods during the school day where students are encouraged engage with physical activity. They can be anything from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises that involve movements. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed schedule, these breaks are brief, regular interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to re-energize students and refocus their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• In place running or jumping over jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks on the health of a person is among the main reasons to incorporate them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and teens should engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical movement each day. Many students do not meet this recommendation because they are occupied for so many hours in class.

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

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

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

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the belief that spending more time in school leads to better results, research shows that integrating movement breaks can actually enhance the academic level. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are essential for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• More focused focus on task behavior

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more focused and score higher over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many children who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released and give you a feeling of happiness
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the school hours provides a healthy outlet for pent-up anger, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a more comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other special needs can benefit from breaks in movement. Physical activity can help these students manage their energy levels, enhance their executive functioning, and enable them to better participate in academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Since movement breaks are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to fit the needs of various age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning style. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities movement breaks guarantee that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music or themes to get students involved.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Follow the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is no different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity on video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Contrary to popular belief research has shown that students who move regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

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

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or following times that require intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide significant benefits.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple hand and arm exercises work well in small classrooms.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the school culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about creating an environment that promotes well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

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

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

Tips to get started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
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)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools take a 30-minute break to move around. But, the frequency of breaks is adjustable in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. The movement breaks aren't an alternative to organized physical education. They are designed to supplement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement require no equipment or only simple objects like balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating breaks for movement into each school day can provide a vast variety of benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear: movement matters. You can make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a policymaker.

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