Using Yoga as a Movement Break in Class

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape the spotlight is shifting to the overall growth of students. Academic rigor and test scores are important however, a growing body of research highlights a crucial element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more vital. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are becoming the commonplace. In this guide we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule, uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks, are brief periods of time in the school day when students are encouraged to participate with physical activity. The breaks may range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more formal exercises, games or mindfulness exercises which require movement. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize 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

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is their positive impact on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children engage in 60 minutes of regular physical activity. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

School-based movement breaks Provide a variety of health benefits

• Increase fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and encourages the development of lifelong healthy habits.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the belief that spending more time studying can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating movement breaks can actually enhance the academic level. Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This provides nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased focus on task

According to research that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and achieve higher scores than students who don't.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is an issue that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for youngsters who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

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

Exercise during the school hours provides an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger or anxiety, which can help to create a 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), problems with sensory processing or other special needs. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, improve executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because movement breaks are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the requirements of different ages, physical abilities, and learning style. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches up to interactive group exercises. They ensure that each child is able to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

For Teachers

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep students engaged.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide breaks with confidence.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can either conduct video-based activities or assign students tasks they can finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

Research shows that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in classes. The breaks during movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we find the time needed to move, when our schedules are so jam-packed?

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes--and can be built into the transition between subjects or after periods that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

Many activities that require only a little space or can be done by standing in front of desks. In small classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand movements can be effective.

The impact of movement breaks on the School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about personal benefits, it's about creating the school's culture of wellbeing, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are increased
• Greater teacher satisfaction and lower burnout rates
• More academically successful

Other wellness programs, such as nutrition education, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional learning can be incorporated into breaks for movement.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, but the frequency can be adjusted to suit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective exercises require little or no equipment, like scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating movements into your school day is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. Research shows that physical activity is crucial for many reasons that include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. You can invest in the future of your students, whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience--because when students move, they learn, grow and prosper.