Implementing Movement Breaks in Elementary Schools: A Teacher’s Guide

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic development of students. Test scores and academic rigor remain important however, a growing body of research reveals a key factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more vital. 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 any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis of their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day where students are required to participate in physical activities. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in classes that are sedentary. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular movement breaks on the health of a person is among the strongest reasons for incorporating them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and teens should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Many students do not meet this recommendation because they spend too many hours in the classroom.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and helps in the growth of healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the common belief that more time spent in school results in better scores, research has proven that taking breaks to move during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain. This delivers nutrients and oxygen that are essential to brain function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

Research has shown that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for youngsters of school age. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and encouraging mental well-being is well-known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the school day provides a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger or anxiety, assisting to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD, sensory processing issues or other special needs can benefit from movement breaks. Physical activity can help these students control their energy levels, enhance their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can be easily adapted to meet the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can be anything from simple chair stretching through interactive group exercises. They ensure that each student can succeed.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your day

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to entice students.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead breaks with confidence.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is no different. The breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can facilitate live sessions of activity on video calls or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

However research has shown that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Breaks for movement are an Investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we find time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into transitions between subjects or following periods of intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

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

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. In small classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture in schools that is centered around health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Improved overall student health and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Higher teacher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are more impressive

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities including social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs to combat bullying.

Start with these Tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be altered to meet the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for organized exercise. They are intended to supplement it.

Are movements appropriate for all children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or simple objects like balls, scarves, or even music.

Incorporating breaks for exercise throughout the school day could provide a broad range of benefits. The research suggests that movement is important for many reasons which include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. If you're a teacher administrator, parent, or the policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the future of our children's success.

Let's make it a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience--because when students move, they learn, grow, and thrive.