How Movement Breaks Can Support Trauma-Informed Classrooms

The holistic development of the child is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and more screen time are becoming the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity throughout the school day is never greater. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's day-to-day schedule, uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks are brief periods of time during the school day where students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. The breaks may range from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more structured games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities that involve movements. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed schedule, these breaks are short, frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time intended to boost students' energy and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular exercise breaks on health is among the most compelling reasons for including them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and teens should engage in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. Yet, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

School breaks during movement offer several health advantages:

• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and helps you maintain good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the notion that spending more time in school will result in better performance studies show that integrating breaks for movement can increase academic performance. Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are essential for cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• More focused focus on task behavior

Research has shown that students who are given breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate better achievement scores than those who don't get such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental health of students is an increasing concern with anxiety, stress, and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. The importance of movement breaks in managing emotions and improving mental health is widely known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can assist to release the tension and stress. This creates positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or problems with sensory processing or any other needs. Physical activity can help these students manage their energy levels, improve their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because movement breaks are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the requirements of different age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning styles. From simple chair stretches to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks make sure that each student has the opportunity to succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• 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: Use music, stories, or themes to entice students.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks confidently.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is no different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can facilitate video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

Research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we make the time needed to move, when our schedule is so packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into transitions between subjects or following time that require intense concentration. Even short activities can bring noticeable benefits.

"What if our classroom space isn't enough?"

Some exercises can be completed at desks, or in a small space. Seated stretches, chair yoga or even basic hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the school culture

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about creating a culture in schools that values well-being, health and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have more absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are enhanced
• Higher satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness programs, such as bullying prevention, nutrition education, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning can be aligned with breaks for movement.

Start with these Tips

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing movement breaks?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes, however, the time interval can be adjusted to fit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Movement breaks are not a substitute for organized physical education. They are designed to complement it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just simple items like balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research: movement matters. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the success of the next generation.

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