Addressing Equity in Access to Movement Breaks

In today's ever-changing educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic development of students. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body research highlights an element which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more important. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the commonplace. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule as well as the scientific basis that explains the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks are brief periods of time during school hours when students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular exercise breaks for health is among the strongest reasons for incorporating these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical movement each day. A lot of students don't comply with this requirement because they spend so many hours in class.

School breaks during movement offer several health advantages:

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

Regular exercise improves your immune system and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking a break in class can boost the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are essential for cognitive functioning.

The key academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• A greater focus on the task

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

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is a growing concern, with anxiety, stress, and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. The importance of regular exercise in managing emotions and improving mental well-being is well-known.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Teamwork and social interaction

Exercise during the school day can provide an outlet for the accumulated energy, frustration, or worry, helping to create a more comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), difficulties with sensory processing, or any other needs. Physical activity can help these students control their energy levels, improve executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Because movement breaks are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the needs of different ages and physical abilities as well as learning style. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair through interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student can thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your schedule

For Teachers

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

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 require them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive, and more productive during lessons. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we make enough time to move in a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or during periods of intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

What happens if the space in which we have is limited?

Certain activities can be done sitting next to desks or in a smaller space. Seated stretches, chair yoga or even basic 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, but also about creating a culture in schools that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have lower absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• More teacher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness activities like social-emotional education, nutrition education, or anti-bullying programs.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Get feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break to move around. But, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't an alternative to regular exercise. They are designed to enhance it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just basic items such as balls, scarves, or even music.

Incorporating breaks for movement into each school day could provide a broad range of benefits. The research suggests that physical activity is crucial for many reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine is an investment in the next generation's success.

Let's make it a non-negotiable element of each student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve and flourish.