Overcoming Resistance: Getting Staff on Board with Movement Breaks

The overall development of the child is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body research highlights an element that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and more screen time are becoming the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activities during the school day has never been more important. This guide will discuss the reasons why breaks for movement are an important part of every school day, and the benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks in 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 engage in physical activities. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, structured games or exercises, or mindfulness activities. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to a curriculum, are frequent, short interruptions of classes that are sedentary. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• In place running or jumping over jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of exercise breaks on the health of a person is one of the most compelling reasons for including these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. But, many children do not meet this requirement because of the long hours they spend in class.

School-based movement breaks provide a number of health benefits

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and helps you maintain lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the notion that spending more time studying will result in better performance studies show that integrating breaks for movement can improve the academic level. Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

Key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• An increase in focus on task behavior

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more concentrated and achieve higher scores than students who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and give you a feeling of happiness
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can help to release the tension and stress. This will create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from breaks in movement. These students benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, enhancing executive function and participating in academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Because movement breaks are easily adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the requirements of different ages physical capabilities, as well as learning style. The types of breaks offered vary from simple stretches on the chair up to interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student can thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their preferred movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can lead live activity sessions via video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

Studies show that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in classes. Breaks for movement are an Investment in learning, not distracting.

How do we make the time needed to move, when our schedules are so jam-packed?

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into the transition between subjects or during times that require intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide significant 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 simple hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about building a school culture that values wellbeing, health, and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize movement tend to experience:

• Improved overall student 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, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning can be aligned with breaks for movement.

Tips to get started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be constant. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to introduce movement breaks?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, however, the time interval can be adjusted to suit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating breaks to move into the daily school routine can have a wide array of advantages. From improving academic performance to improving physical health to supporting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior The research proves: movement matters. You can invest in the future of your students whether you are an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Include movement as an integral part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, grow and thrive when they move.