Addressing Equity in Access to Movement Breaks

The holistic development of the child is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving education system. The quality of their education and the scores they score are important however, a growing body of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and more screen time are becoming the standard, the demand for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day has never been more urgent. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule as well as the scientific basis behind their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in 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 with physical activity. The breaks may range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that involve movements. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education, which follow an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to the class's sedentary time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Stretching or Yoga 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 movement breaks for the health of a person is one of the main reasons to incorporate them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical movement each day. However, many students do not meet this requirement due to long hours spent in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Improve your fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the belief that more time on academics leads to better results Research has shown that incorporating breaks for movement can improve the academic level. Physical activity increases the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen which are vital to cognitive function.

The key benefits for academics include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• An increase in the amount of time spent on task.

Studies have found that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate 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 becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. The role of exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Emotional Benefits are:

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

Exercise during the school hours provides an opportunity to release any excess energy, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a more positive school environment.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or problems with sensory processing or with other disabilities. Physical activity can help these students control their energy levels, enhance executive function, and help them better perform in academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to meet the requirements of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that each student is able to thrive.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as running, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep students engaged.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred exercise.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks confidently.
• Follow progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine methods.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Breaks for movement are equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity on video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

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

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

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or during time of intense focus. Even brief activity provides tangible advantages.

"What if our classroom space isn't enough?"

Certain activities can be done at desks, or in a smaller space. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on School Culture

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that promotes wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that prioritize movement tend to experience:

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

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness programs like social-emotional education, nutrition education, and anti-bullying programs.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Begin slow: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Get 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 recommended frequency for schools to implement movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break to move around. But, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most effective movements require little or no equipment, such as scarves or music, or even balls.

Incorporating breaks for movement into each school day can have a wide variety of benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical health to supporting mental well-being and classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is crucial. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or even a policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine is a way to invest in the next generation's success.

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