Celebrating Physical Activity Month in Schools

The overall development of the child is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing educational environment. Test scores and academic rigor remain crucial however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more vital. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time is becoming the standard. In this guide we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day where students are required to participate in physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness-based activities. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education that adhere to a curriculum, are frequent, short interruptions of the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is the positive effect they have on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens engage in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. But, many children aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

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

• Increase fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Support healthy weight management
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and encourages good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the widely held belief that spending more time in school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking breaks to move during classes can enhance academic performance . Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• An increase in the amount of time spent on task.

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more concentrated and achieve higher scores than those who do not.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of students of school age. The importance of movement breaks in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

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

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to release pent up energy and stress. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or any other specific needs may benefit from movement breaks. These students can benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic assignments.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because they can be easily adapted and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the requirements of different ages and physical abilities as well as learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities movement breaks ensure that every child gets the chance to excel.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your day

For Teachers

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories, or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead breaks with confidence.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Breaks for movement are equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can facilitate live activity sessions through video calls, or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

Studies show that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in classes. The movement breaks are an investment into learning and not a distraction.

How do we make the time to move if our schedule is so packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into transitions between subjects or during time of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

What happens if the space in which we have isn't enough?

Certain activities can be done standing next to desks or in a tiny space. In small classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or simple arm and hand exercises can be beneficial.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks, but also about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students who are healthier and have more absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Academic results that are stronger

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness programs like social-emotional education as well as nutrition education and programs that combat bullying.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts suggest schools should take a 30 minute break for movement. However, the duration of breaks can be adjusted depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for structured physical education. They are meant to enhance it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is an easy approach that has proven advantages. The research suggests that physical activity is crucial for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the success of the next generation.

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