Free Resources for School Movement Programs

The overall growth of the student is increasingly crucial in today's rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigor and scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more vital. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the standard. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of any school's daily routine, uncover the science that explains their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also known as brain breaks, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. They can be a time for stretching, dancing, more structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to sedentary class time. They aid in refocusing students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Light movement

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of exercise. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

Movement breaks in schools offer several health benefits:

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

Regular exercise improves your immune system and helps you maintain healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that more time spent in school leads to better scores, research has proven that taking a break during class can improve academic performance . Physical activity increases the flow of blood to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients that are essential for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

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

Studies have found that students who get breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate better achievement scores than those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression impact a lot of youngsters of school age. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

Exercise during the school hours provides an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger or anxiety, which can help to create a more positive classroom environment.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and problems with sensory processing or with other disabilities. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better perform in academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Because movement breaks can be easily adapted and customizable, they can be adapted to fit the needs of different age groups, physical abilities, and learning methods. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities breaks in the form of movement guarantee each student has the opportunity to excel.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your daily routine

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on 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 confidently lead activity breaks.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as essential during online learning. Teachers may facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related challenges to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

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

"How do we make time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule, either to transition between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even short activities can bring tangible benefits.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Many movement activities require little space or are done sitting at desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple hand and arm movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Greater Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks, but also about creating a culture in schools that is centered around well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to experience:

• Students with better health and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are increased
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• More academically successful

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness activities like social-emotional education as well as nutrition education and programs that combat bullying.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and increase it from there.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools should take a 30 minute break to walk around. But, the duration of breaks can be altered in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Breaks in movement aren't as a substitute for structured exercise. They are designed to complement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient movements require minimal or no equipment, including scarves or music, or even balls.

Integrating breaks for exercise throughout the school day could provide a broad array of advantages. The research suggests that physical activity is crucial for many reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behaviour. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine is an investment in the success of the next generation.

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