Brain Breaks vs. Movement Breaks: What’s the Difference?

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape The spotlight is now shifting to the overall growth of students. While academic test scores and rigor remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research reveals an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more important. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time is becoming the standard. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis behind their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks are brief periods of time in the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. The breaks may range from short periods of dancing or stretching to more organized games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities which require movement. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular physical activity breaks on health is one of the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents should participate in at least 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.

Movement breaks in schools offer several health advantages:

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

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and helps in the development of lifelong healthy lifestyles.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics leads to better results Research has shown that incorporating breaks in movement can increase the academic level. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that are vital for brain function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• A greater focus on the task

The results of studies have shown that students who receive movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental health of children is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. Movement breaks play a significant role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Opportunity for social interaction and collaboration

Physical activity during the school hours provides an opportunity to release any excess tension, anger, or worry, helping to create a positive school environment.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. Physical activity can help these students manage their energy levels, boost executive function, and help them better participate in academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. The types of breaks offered be anything from simple chair stretching through interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each child is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially during long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are easy to do and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it! Make use of stories, music or themes to get students involved.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Establish guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate 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 practice.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks they can do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

On the contrary studies show that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive, and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or during time of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

Certain activities can be done at desks, or in a smaller space. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple hand and arm exercises are effective in small classrooms.

The impact of movement breaks on the school culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about personal benefits, it's about building a school culture that values health, well-being, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that emphasize exercise are likely to have:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• More academically successful

Other wellness programs, such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning could be linked to the breaks in your exercise.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes, but the timing can be adjusted to suit each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized to preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities do not require any equipment or basic items such as balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating breaks for exercise into the daily school routine can have a wide variety of benefits. The research shows that physical activity is crucial for a variety of reasons which include 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 is an investment in the future of our children's success.

Make movement an essential part of the school experience for every student. Learners develop and prosper when they move.