The History of Movement in School Curriculums

In today's ever-changing educational environment the spotlight is shifting to the overall growth of students. While academic rigor and scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increased screen time become the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity during the school day has never been greater. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science behind their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks are short periods in the school day when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. They can be anything from short periods of stretching or dancing to more organized games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities that require moving. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education, which follow an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to the class's sedentary time. They can help students refocus their to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of movement breaks for health is among the strongest reasons for incorporating them. 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. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation due to long hours spent in the classroom.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health advantages:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief that spending more time in school can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating movement breaks can actually increase the academic level. Physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• More focused on-task behavior

Research has shown that students who get breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many students who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and give you a feeling of happiness
• Social interaction opportunities and teamwork

Physical activity during school day provides an opportunity to release any excess anger, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. Physical activity can help students control their energy levels, enhance their executive functioning, and enable them to better perform in academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Since movement breaks are adaptable they can be tailored to meet the needs of different ages, physical abilities, and learning methods. Breaks for movement can be anything from simple chair stretching through interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each student can thrive.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your daily routine

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories, or themes to get students involved.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create the time to move during a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or following times of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

"What is the best course to take if space is limited?"

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a small space. In small classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Impact of Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about creating a culture in schools that is centered around health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness initiatives like social-emotional education, nutrition education, or anti-bullying programs.

Start with these Tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Receive 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)

How often should schools implement movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools have a 30-minute break for movement. But, the duration of breaks can be adjusted according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is it appropriate for all children?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored for elementary school children, preschoolers middle, 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 music.

Integrating breaks for movement throughout the school day can provide a vast range of benefits. The research suggests that movement is important for a variety of reasons that include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. You can invest in the future of your students whether you're a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or politician.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience. Why? Because when kids move, they learn, grow and flourish.