Best Movement Break Apps for Teachers

The overall growth of the student is becoming more important in the current rapidly evolving educational landscape. The quality of their education and the scores they score are important however, a growing body of research highlights a crucial aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increased screen time become the standard, the demand for purposeful, structured physical activity throughout the school day has never been greater. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis behind their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also known as breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks, or physical activity breaks--are brief periods during the school day when students are motivated to engage in physical activity. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined schedule, these breaks are brief, regular interruptions of sedentary class time intended to boost students' energy and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Stretching or yoga poses
• 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 effects of daily physical activity breaks for health is among the main reasons to incorporate these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. However, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Improve your fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise also improves the immune system, and also encourages the growth of healthy habits.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school results in better grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks in class can boost the academic level of students . Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

The main academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Focus on the task is increased.

Studies have found that students who are given breaks for movement return to their work with greater focus and demonstrate better achievement scores than those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is widely known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

Physical activity during school day can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger, or worry, helping to create a more positive school environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from movement breaks. Physical activity can help students control their energy levels, enhance executive function, and help them better participate in academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

The movement breaks can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks ensure that every child is able to excel.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music or themes to entice students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their preferred exercise.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Establish guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. The breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can either facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related tasks they can complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

Studies show that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in classes. The movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not a distraction.

How do we find time to move when our schedules are jammed?

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule in order to switch between subjects or to recover from intensive concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

"What do we do if our classroom isn't enough?"

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to 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 School Culture and Movement Breaks

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about the individual benefit; it's about building a school culture that values wellbeing, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Students with better health and more absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness activities, such as social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and programs that combat bullying.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and increase it from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break for movement. But, the frequency of breaks is adjustable depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't an alternative to organized physical education. They are designed to enhance it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement require no equipment or only simple items like balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating movement breaks into every schoolday is a simple, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching benefits. The research suggests that exercise is essential for many reasons that include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant 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, develop, and thrive.