Addressing Equity in Access to Movement Breaks

The holistic development of the student is becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing educational environment. Academic rigor and test scores remain important however, a growing amount of research has revealed a vital element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and more screen time are becoming the commonplace, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day is never greater. This guide will discuss the reason why break time is essential to every school day, and 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 in the school day when students are encouraged to participate with physical activity. These breaks can range from short periods of dancing or stretching to more formal exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities which require movement. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to the class's sedentary time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily exercise breaks on the health of a person is among the strongest reasons for incorporating them. 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 due to long hours spent sitting in classrooms.

Moving breaks in schools provide a number of health benefits

• Improve your the cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system, and also encourages the creation of long-term healthy habits.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

In contrast to the popular belief that spending more time in school will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking a break during class can improve the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Focus on the task is increased.

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more focused and achieve higher scores over those who don't.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental health of children is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety, and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is well known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

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

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to release pent up energy, frustration or worry. This creates a positive classroom atmosphere.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other special needs can benefit from movement breaks. Students with these conditions will benefit from exercise in regulating their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic assignments.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Because movement breaks are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the requirements of various age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning methods. From simple chair stretching to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to guarantee each student gets the chance to thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require no equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories or themes to keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. The breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity through video calls, or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Research shows that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in classes. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we find the time to move during the midst of a busy schedule?"

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or following periods that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

What happens if the space in which we have is limited?

Many movement activities require little space or are done sitting at desks. In small classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on School Culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that values health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• School spirit and community involvement are enhanced
• Greater satisfaction with the teacher and lower burnout rates
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional learning can be incorporated into movement breaks.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to introduce breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break for movement. But, the frequency of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored to preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating movements into your school day is a simple, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching benefits. The research suggests that exercise is essential for a myriad of reasons that include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing regular breaks in your routine can be a significant investment in the success of the next generation.

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