How Movement Breaks Improve Social Skills

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the holistic student's development. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain important, a growing body research highlights an element that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more important. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are becoming the commonplace. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science that explains the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short breaks during the school day where students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. They can be a time for stretching, dancing, more organized games, exercises or mindfulness-based activities. In contrast to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and refocus their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of exercise breaks for the health of a person is among the most compelling reasons for including these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens engage in 60 minutes of daily exercise. However, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.

Movement breaks in schools offer several health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics can lead to better grades studies show that integrating breaks for movement can improve the academic level. Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

Key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased the amount of time spent on task.

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more focused and have higher scores than those who do not.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is an issue that concerns many students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many students of school age. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical activity you do throughout the day can help to let go of any tension anger, stress or anxiety. This will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. Physical activity can help students control their energy levels, enhance executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because movement breaks are adaptable, they can be tailored to fit the needs of different ages physical capabilities, as well as learning style. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches up to interactive group exercises. They make sure that each child is able to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Have fun with it! Use music, stories, or themes to get students involved.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. The breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can either facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related tasks to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

However studies show that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The breaks during movement can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we make enough time to move in the midst of a busy schedule?"

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine for transitions between different topics or following an intense focus. Even a short activity can provide significant benefits.

"What do we do if our classroom is limited?"

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed sitting at desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or just simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The impact of movement breaks on the school culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about individual benefits; it's about creating an environment that promotes well-being, health, and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize movement tend to experience:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Higher satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness-related initiatives, like nutrition education, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning can be aligned with the breaks in your exercise.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be adjusted to fit each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for regular exercise. They are intended to complement it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for all ages?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective moves require little or no equipment, such as scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating breaks for movement into each school day can provide a vast array of advantages. The research shows that physical activity is crucial for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you are a teacher or administrator, a parent or a policymaker.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience--because when students move they learn, develop, and thrive.