The Economics of Healthier, More Active Schools

The overall development of the student is becoming increasingly important in the current rapidly evolving education system. While academic test scores and rigor remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the norm. This guide will explore the reason why break time is an essential part of any school day, what advantages they bring and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are the 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 engage with physical activity. They can be anything from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more formal games, exercises or mindfulness exercises which require moving. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set curriculum, movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to re-energize students and help them refocus their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• 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 breaks into your routine is their positive impact on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation because of the long hours they spend in the classroom.

School-based movement breaks provide a number of health benefits

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and encourages the growth of healthy habits.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the belief that spending more time in school leads to better results Research has shown that incorporating breaks for movement can enhance the academic level. Physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain. This helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that are essential to brain function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased on-task behavior

Studies have found that students who are given breaks for movement return to their work with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age children. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is widely known.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Exercise during the school hours provides an outlet for the accumulated anger, frustration or anxiety, assisting to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for students with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or with other disabilities. These students benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, increasing the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Because they can be easily adapted they can be tailored to meet the needs of various age groups, physical abilities, and learning style. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that every student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or playing games in a short time.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Movement breaks are equally crucial. Teachers can lead live activities on video calls or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

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

"How can we create the time to move during a packed schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine, either to transition between subjects or to recover from an intense focus. Even brief activity provides tangible advantages.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or can be done sitting at desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple arm and hand movements can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about personal benefits, it's about fostering the school's culture of health, well-being and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that emphasize movement tend to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Greater satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Stronger academic outcomes

Other wellness programs, such as bullying prevention, nutrition education social-emotional education, social-emotional learning can be incorporated into movement breaks.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and increase it from there.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

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. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just simple items like balls, scarves or music.

Integrating breaks to move into each school day can have a wide variety of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior The research proves: movement matters. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine is a way to invest in the future of our children's success.

Let's make it a non-negotiable element of each student's school experience--because when students move, they learn, grow, and thrive.