Addressing Safety Concerns During Movement Breaks

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape the spotlight is shifting to the overall development of students. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain crucial, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and more screen time are becoming the commonplace, the need for purposeful, structured physical activities during the school day is never more urgent. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule as well as the scientific basis of the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also known as breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, structured games or exercises, or mindfulness activities. The movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow the same curriculum, are frequently brief interruptions to classes that are sedentary. They help refocus students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of movement breaks

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

Why movement breaks matter The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of physical activity breaks on the health of a person is among the most compelling reasons for including them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activities each day. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation due to long hours spent in class.

School breaks during movement can provide a variety of health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

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

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics will result in better performance, research shows that integrating movement breaks can actually increase the academic level. Physical activity boosts blood flow to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that are vital for brain function.

The key benefits for academics include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Focus on the task is increased.

Studies have found that students who receive movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age children. Movement breaks play a significant role in supporting emotional regulation and well-being.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during school day can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a more positive classroom environment.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. Physical activity can help these students control their energy levels, boost executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the requirements of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. The types of breaks offered vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They make sure that each child is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important in long blocks of instruction.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep your students interested.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can facilitate live activities through video calls, or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

Contrary to popular belief studies show that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How can we create enough time to move in an already packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or after periods of intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

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

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about individual benefits; it's about building a school culture that values health, well-being, and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize exercise are likely to have:

• Students with healthier health and lower absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are enhanced
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness initiatives including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or programs that combat bullying.

Tips to get started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and increase it from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Receive 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 start introducing breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break to move around. But, the duration of breaks can be altered depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Is it appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Integrating breaks for movement into each school day could provide a broad array of advantages. Research shows that physical activity is crucial for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. You can make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you're a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or politician.

Let's make moving a mandatory part of every student's school experience--because when students move they learn, improve and flourish.