Movement Breaks as Tools for Emotional Reset

In today's ever-changing educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the holistic student's development. Academic rigor and test scores are important, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more important. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are now the commonplace. This guide will discuss why movement breaks are an important part of every school day, the benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short breaks during the school day during which students are motivated to engage in physical activity. They can be anything from short periods of stretching or dancing to more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that involve movement. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined program, the movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to re-energize students and refresh their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place or jumping Jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light 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 well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activities each day. However, many students do not meet this requirement because of the long hours they spend in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

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

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the belief that spending more time in school can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating breaks in movement can improve the academic level. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

Its primary academic benefits include:

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

Studies have found that students who receive 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 a growing concern, with anxiety, stress, and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during school day can provide an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger or anxiety, which can help to create a positive classroom environment.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities may benefit from breaks in movement. Physical activity can help these students manage their energy levels, improve their executive functioning, and enable them to better perform in academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Because they are easily adaptable they can be tailored to meet the requirements of different ages, physical abilities, and learning style. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, movement breaks ensure each student gets the chance to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine methods.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. The breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity through video calls, or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine, either to transition between different topics or following intensive concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

"What do we do if our classroom is limited?"

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a small space. In small classrooms, sitting stretches, chair-yoga, or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about creating a culture in schools that promotes wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

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

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness initiatives like social-emotional education, nutrition education, and anti-bullying programs.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start slow: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to institute breaks for movement?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes, but the frequency can be altered to meet the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement 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, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient moves require minimal or no equipment, including scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating movement breaks into every school day is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. Research shows that exercise is essential for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. If you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the next generation's success.

Include movement as an integral element of school life for every student. Students learn, develop and flourish when they move.