Addressing Teacher Concerns about Lost Instructional Time

The overall development of the child is increasingly crucial in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. Academic rigor and test scores remain crucial however, a growing body of research has revealed a vital aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more important. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of 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 daily schedule as well as the scientific basis that explains their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also called brain breaks activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day where students are required to participate in physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, structured exercises or games, or mindfulness-based activities. Movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to the class's sedentary time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in the same
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular movement breaks on the health of a person is among the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical movement each day. A majority of students fail to comply with this requirement because they spend so many hours in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

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

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and encourages the growth of healthy routines.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the widely held belief that more time spent in school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks in class can boost academic performance . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen which are vital to cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

Studies have found that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. Movement breaks play a significant role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

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

Physical activity during the school day provides an opportunity to release any excess tension, anger or anxiety, assisting to create a positive school environment.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or other special needs. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, enhancing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities movement breaks guarantee every student is able to thrive.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important in long blocks of instruction.
• 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 entice students.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide breaks with confidence.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine methods.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as essential during online learning. Teachers can either conduct video-based activities or provide students with movement-related challenges to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

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

"How can we create time for movement in a packed schedule?"

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule in order to switch between different topics or following an intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

"What is the best course to take if space is limited?"

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

The Greater Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks, but also about establishing a culture within schools that promotes wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• More teacher satisfaction and lower burnout rates
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness programs, such as bullying prevention, nutrition education, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning can be aligned with breaks for movement.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and increase it from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
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)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be adjusted to suit each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient exercises require little or no equipment, like scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating breaks for exercise into each school day can have a wide range of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical fitness to improving the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior It's clear from the research: movement matters. You can make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you are an administrator or teacher, a parent or a policymaker.

Making movement a vital aspect of the school day for every student. Students learn, develop and thrive by moving.