District Policies that Support Movement Breaks

The overall growth of the student is increasingly crucial in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more important. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time is becoming the norm. In this guide we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science behind their advantages, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Motion breaks--also known as brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day during which students are motivated to engage in physical activity. These breaks can range from short periods of stretching or dancing to more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises which require movements. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of movement breaks on the health of a person is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. But, many children aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

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

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and encourages good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics will result in better performance, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can enhance the academic level. Physical activity boosts circulation of blood to your brain. This delivers nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

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
• Increased focus on task behavior

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more focused and have higher scores than those who do not.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is a matter that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for students of school age. The importance of movement breaks in managing emotions and improving mental health is widely known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released to give you a feeling of happiness
• Social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can assist to release the tension and stress. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or problems with sensory processing or any other needs. These students will benefit from exercise in regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to meet the needs 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 make sure that every student can succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your daily routine

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially during long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Establish guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks confidently.
• Track progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can facilitate live sessions of activity through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

Research shows that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in classes. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we make the time to move during a packed schedule?"

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or during periods that require intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

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

Many movement activities require little space or are done by standing in front of desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even simple arm and hand movements work well in small classrooms.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that values wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness programs, such as nutrition education, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional learning can be incorporated into the breaks in your exercise.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break to walk around. But, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Breaks in movement aren't as a substitute for organized physical education. They are intended to complement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most effective exercises require no or little equipment, including scarves, music, or balls.

Integrating breaks for exercise into each school day can have a wide variety of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical fitness to improving the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is important. You can invest in the future of your students, whether you are an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a politician.

Let's make it a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve, and thrive.