Funding and Grant Opportunities for Movement Initiatives

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic development of students. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and more screen time are becoming the commonplace, the need for purposeful, structured physical activity during the school day has never been greater. This guide will discuss the reason why break time is essential to every school day, what benefits they provide and provide practical tips 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 the school day where students are encouraged engage with physical activity. They can be anything from just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more structured games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities that require movement. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of exercise breaks for health 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 minimum 60 minutes of physical movement each day. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend in the classroom.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the common belief that more time spent in school leads to better grades, research has shown that taking breaks to move during class can improve the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for the functioning of the brain.

The key benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Focus on the task is increased.

According to studies, students who take movement breaks are more focused and score higher over those who don't.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is a matter that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many youngsters who are in school. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional Benefits include:

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

Exercise during the school day can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up anger, frustration, or worry, helping to create a more positive school environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), problems with sensory processing or with other disabilities. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, improve executive function, and better take on academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches through interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each child can thrive.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your day

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred movement activities.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can conduct video-based activities or assign students tasks they can do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

Research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more focused and productive in classes. Breaks for movement are an Investment into learning and not an interruption.

How do we find time to move when our schedule is so packed?

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine in order to switch between subjects or to recover from an intense focus. Even short activities can bring tangible advantages.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

Many movement activities require little space or are done standing beside desks. Seated stretches, chair yoga or even basic hand and arm movements work well in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about individual benefits; it's about fostering an environment that promotes health, well-being, and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness-related initiatives, like nutrition education, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning can be aligned with breaks for movement.

Start with these Tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be constant: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to introduce movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the frequency of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. The movement breaks aren't as a substitute for organized physical education. They are intended to complement it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities do not require any equipment or simple items like scarves, balls, or even music.

Integrating breaks for exercise into each school day could provide a broad variety of benefits. The research suggests that exercise is essential for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behaviour. You can invest in the future of your children, whether you're an administrator or teacher as well as a parent or politician.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience--because when students move they learn, develop and prosper.