Overcoming Resistance: Getting Staff on Board with Movement Breaks

In the current rapidly changing education system, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the holistic development of students. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research reveals an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as more screen time are becoming the standard, the demand for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day has never been more important. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis behind their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks, are brief periods of time during the school day where students are encouraged engage in physical activities. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to an established curriculum, are often and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They aid in refocusing students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily exercise breaks for health is one of the main reasons to incorporate these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activities each day. However, many students fall short of this recommendation because of the long hours they spend in the classroom.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Help with weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system, and also encourages the development of lifelong healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that a longer time at school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking a break during classes can enhance academic performance . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, which delivers nutrients and oxygen that are crucial for the functioning of the brain.

The most important academic benefits are:

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

The results of studies have shown that students who get breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show greater achievement scores when compared with those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

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

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Endorphins release to make you feel good
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

The physical activity you do throughout the day can help to release the tension and stress. This will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other special needs can benefit from movement breaks. Students with these conditions can benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, increasing their executive functioning and completing academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Since movement breaks are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the needs of different ages and physical abilities as well as learning styles. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities break breaks are designed to ensure each student gets the chance to excel.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Fun: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families on the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Virtual learning is no different. Movement breaks are equally crucial. Teachers may lead video-based activity sessions or give students movement challenges to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research has shown that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in classes. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create time for movement in the midst of a busy schedule?"

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or after times that require intense concentration. Even brief activity provides noticeable advantages.

"What do we do if our classroom isn't enough?"

Certain activities can be done at desks, or in a tiny space. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple hand and arm exercises work well in small classrooms.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that values wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Academic results that are stronger

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

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and build from there.
2. Be constant. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to institute movement breaks?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, but the frequency can be altered to meet each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for organized physical education. They are intended to enhance it.

Is it appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or simple objects like balls, scarves or even music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is an easy approach that has proven benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical health to supporting mental well-being and classroom behavior The research proves: movement matters. You can invest in the future of your children, whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Making movement a vital aspect of the school day for every student. Learners develop and flourish when they move.