Fostering Collaboration through Group Activities

The holistic development of the student is becoming more important in the current rapidly evolving educational environment. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body research highlights an element that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time is becoming the standard. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's day-to-day schedule, uncover the science that explains their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness activities. Unlike physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Yoga or stretching 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 strongest reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is the positive effect they have on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. A majority of students fail to adhere to this advice because they spend long hours in school.

School-based movement breaks Provide a variety of health benefits

• Enhance cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular movement also boosts the immune system, and also encourages the growth of healthy habits.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

In contrast to the popular belief that a longer time at school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking breaks to move in class can boost the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts circulation of blood to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• An increase in on-task behavior

According to studies, students who take movement breaks are more focused and score higher than students who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The importance of movement breaks in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and create a positive feeling
• Social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can help to release the tension and stress. This will create an environment that is positive for students.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other special needs can benefit from a break in their movement. Physical activity can help these students regulate their energy levels, enhance executive function, and help them better perform in academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Movement breaks are easily modified to accommodate the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities break breaks are designed to guarantee every student is able to excel.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories or themes to get students involved.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct breaks with confidence.
• Track progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. The breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can conduct live activity sessions through 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 regularly move are more focused and productive in classes. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

It is possible to incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine for transitions between topics or after an intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

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

Many activities that require only a little space or are done by standing in front of desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or simple arm and hand movements can be effective.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

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

• Healthier overall for students and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness initiatives including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and programs that combat bullying.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to start introducing movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break to walk around. But, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only basic items such as balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating movements into your school day is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching benefits. Research shows that exercise is essential for a myriad of reasons that include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the next generation's success.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve and flourish.