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In the current rapidly changing education system the spotlight is shifting to the overall student's development. Academic rigor and test scores remain crucial however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as more screen time are becoming the commonplace, the need for purposeful, structured physical activities during the school day is never more important. This guide will explain the reasons why breaks for movement are an essential part of any school day, what benefits they offer and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.
Motion breaks--also called breaks for the brain, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are brief periods during the school day where students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. Movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow the same curriculum, are frequently, short interruptions of the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students in their minds and help them reenergize.
The positive effect of regular exercise breaks on health is among the strongest reasons for incorporating these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of regular exercise. A majority of students fail to adhere to this advice because they are occupied for too many hours in the classroom.
Movement breaks in schools offer several health advantages:
Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and promotes good habits that last for a lifetime.
Contrary to popular belief that spending more time in school can lead to better grades Research has shown that incorporating movement breaks can actually enhance academic performance. Physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients essential for brain function.
The most important academic benefits are:
Studies have found that students who are given breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show greater achievement scores when compared with those who don't get such breaks.
The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and well-being.
Benefits for the emotional side include:
Exercise during the school hours provides an opportunity to release any excess anger, frustration or anxiety, assisting to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.
Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or with other disabilities. These students can benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, increasing the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic activities.
Breaks in the movement are easily modified to accommodate the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches up to interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student can thrive.
Virtual learning is no different. The breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related challenges to finish at home.
On the contrary studies show that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. The breaks during movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.
Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or after periods of intense focus. Even brief activity provides tangible advantages.
Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.
It's not just about individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks into your school day; it's about creating a culture in schools that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:
Other wellness initiatives such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning could be linked to the breaks in your exercise.
Experts suggest that schools should take a 30 minute break to move around. However, the frequency of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.
No. Movement breaks are a supplement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.
Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.
Not at all. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or simple objects like balls, scarves or music.
Incorporating movements into your schoolday is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. The research shows that movement is important for many reasons that include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or even a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the success of the next generation.
Let's make it a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience--because when students move they learn, improve and flourish.
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Latest Posts
Linking Movement Breaks to School Wellness Policies
Designing a Daily Movement Break Schedule
How to Keep Your Early Childhood Teaching License Active