Evaluating Movement Break Programs: What Works

The overall development of the student is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving educational environment. 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. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are now the commonplace. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis that explains their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at 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 in physical activities. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more formal exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities that require movement. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping Jacks
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular movement breaks for health is one of the main reasons to incorporate them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

School-based movement breaks Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Help with weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and encourages the creation of long-term healthy routines.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to popular belief that spending more time studying can lead to better grades Research has shown that incorporating breaks for movement can increase the academic level. Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

The main academic benefits are:

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

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during 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. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for students of school age. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is well known.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and teamwork

Exercise during the school day provides an opportunity to release any excess energy, frustration, or worry, helping to create a positive school environment.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. Students with these conditions will benefit from exercise in regulating their energy levels, enhancing executive function and participating in academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Since movement breaks are adaptable they can be tailored to fit the needs of different ages physical capabilities, as well as learning style. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches up to interactive group exercises. They ensure that each student can succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families on the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to lead activities with confidence.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers may facilitate video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

Research shows that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in class. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule in order to switch between different topics or following intensive concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

"What is the best course to take if space isn't enough?"

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a small space. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even basic hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The impact of movement breaks on School Culture

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture within schools that values well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness programs, such as bullying prevention, nutrition education and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning can be aligned with the breaks in your exercise.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and build from there.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Breaks in movement aren't as a substitute for organized exercise. They are designed to complement it.

Is movement appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient movements require no or little equipment, like scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating breaks for movement into the daily school routine can have a wide array of advantages. From improving academic performance and physical fitness to improving mental well-being and classroom behavior, the research is clear: movement matters. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing regular breaks in your routine is an investment in the success of the next generation.

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