Building Movement Breaks into IEPs

The overall development of the child is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized 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 guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science that explains their advantages, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks are brief periods of time in the school day when students are encouraged engage in physical activities. They can be anything from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more organized games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities which require movement. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow an established curriculum, are often, short interruptions of classes that are sedentary. They can help students refocus their in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive impact on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activities each day. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation because they are occupied for long hours in school.

Moving breaks in schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system, and also encourages the creation of long-term healthy routines.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the common belief that more time spent in school results in better scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks during class can improve the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers nutrients and oxygen that are crucial to cognitive function.

The key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• More focused focus on task behavior

The results of studies have shown that students who get movement breaks return to tasks with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is an increasing concern with anxiety, stress, and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The movement breaks play an important part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

Exercise during the school day provides an opportunity to release any excess anger, frustration or anxiety, assisting to create a positive classroom environment.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. They will benefit from exercise in regulating their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic assignments.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

The movement breaks can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. The types of breaks offered be anything from simple chair stretching through interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student can thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are easy to do and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally important in virtual learning. Teachers can facilitate live activity sessions via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Movement breaks are 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. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or during times that require intense concentration. Even brief activity provides tangible benefits.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Many activities that require only a little space or can be done by standing in front of desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand exercises can be beneficial.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about individual benefits; it's about creating a school culture that values well-being, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are increased
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness programs, such as nutrition education, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning could be linked to movement breaks.

Tips to Get Started

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break for movement. However, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Movement breaks are not an alternative to structured physical education. They are intended to supplement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities need no equipment, or just simple objects like scarves, balls, or music.

Incorporating movement breaks into every schoolday is a simple approach that has proven advantages. The research suggests that movement is important for a myriad of reasons that include 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 an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a policymaker.

Make movement an essential aspect of the school day for all students. Students learn, grow and prosper by moving.