The Link Between Movement and Emotional Regulation

In today's rapidly evolving educational environment The spotlight is now shifting to the overall growth of students. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized, purposeful physical activity in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are becoming the commonplace. This guide will explain the reason why break time is an important part of every school day, the advantages they bring, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. Breaks for movement, in contrast to physical education classes that follow a curriculum, are frequent, short interruptions of sedentary class time. They aid in refocusing students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular physical activity breaks on the health of a person is one of the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Many students do not meet this recommendation because they spend so many hours in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Help with weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and encourages the creation of long-term healthy habits.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

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

The most important academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• More focused focus on task behavior

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and have higher scores over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that concerns many students. Stress, anxiety and depression impact a lot of youngsters who are in school. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional Benefits include:

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

Physical activity during school hours provides an opportunity to release any excess tension, anger or anxiety, which can help to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or any other specific needs may benefit from movement breaks. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, improve executive function, and help them better perform in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. The types of breaks offered vary from simple stretches on the chair up to interactive group exercises. They make sure that each child can thrive.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories or themes to entice students.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers may conduct video-based activities or provide students with movement-related tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

Studies show that students who move regularly are more focused and productive in class. Movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not a distraction.

How do we make the time needed to move, when our schedule is so packed?

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine, either to transition between different topics or following an intense focus. Even short activities can bring tangible benefits.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

Many activities that require only a little space or can be done standing beside desks. In small classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or even simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The impact of movement breaks on the School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture within schools that values wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Students with better health and more absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• More teacher satisfaction and lower burnout rates
• Higher academic performance

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness programs including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or programs that combat bullying.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and build from there.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to start introducing movement breaks?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes, however, the time interval can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. The movement breaks aren't an alternative to regular physical education. They are intended to supplement it.

Is movement appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or basic items such as scarves, balls, or music.

Integrating breaks for exercise throughout the school day can have a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting mental well-being and classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is crucial. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the success of the next generation.

Making movement a vital element of school life for all students. Students learn, develop and flourish when they move.