Supporting Students with Physical Disabilities

The holistic development of the child is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigor and scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increasing screen time becomes the standard, the demand for a purposeful, organized physical activity during the school day has never been more urgent. In this article we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be an integral part of every school's day-to-day schedule, uncover the science behind their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also known as breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks can range from short periods of stretching or dancing to more organized games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities that require movement. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in the class's sedentary time. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• 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

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is the positive effect they have on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of exercise. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation due to the fact that they spend too many hours in the classroom.

Moving breaks in schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Enhance cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Support healthy weight management
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and encourages good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to popular belief that spending more time studying can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can increase academic performance. Physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for brain function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased the amount of time spent on task.

The results of studies have shown that students who receive breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have greater achievement scores when compared with those who don't get such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental health of students is a growing concern, with anxiety, stress, and depression affecting many school-age children. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical activity you do throughout the day can help to release the tension and stress. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. These students benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, increasing their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

The movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the requirements of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can range from simple chair stretches through interactive group exercises. They ensure that each student can thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, stories, or themes to keep your students interested.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct breaks with confidence.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Breaks for movement are equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead live activity sessions through video calls, or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

On the contrary research has shown that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Movement breaks are an Investment in learning, not distracting.

"How do we find the time to move during an already packed schedule?"

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule, either to transition between topics or after intensive concentration. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

"What is the best course to take if space is limited?"

Some activities can be performed at desks, or in a small space. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even basic arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about personal benefits, it's about building an environment that promotes wellbeing, health, and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• More academically successful

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness initiatives like social-emotional education as well as nutrition education and programs that combat bullying.

Start with these Tips

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes, but the timing can be adjusted to fit 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! Breaks for movement can be adapted for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating movements into your school day is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting mental well-being and classroom behavior It's clear from the research that movement is important. It is possible to invest in the future of your students, whether you are a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a policymaker.

Let's make it a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience. Because when students move, they learn, grow and flourish.