How Often Should Students Get Movement Breaks?

The holistic development of the student is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and more screen time are becoming the standard, the demand for purposeful, structured physical activities during the school day is never greater. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule, uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks, are brief periods of time during the school day where students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. They can be anything from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more structured exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities which require movements. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time intended to boost students' energy and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping over jacks
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks for the health of a person is one of the main reasons to incorporate these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation due to the fact that they spend so many hours in class.

Movement breaks in schools offer several health benefits:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Help fight childhood obesity

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

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the common belief that more time spent in school results in better grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks in class can boost academic performance . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

The main academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

Studies have found that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental health of students is an increasing concern with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age children. The movement breaks play an important role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

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

Physical activity during the day can help to release the tension and stress. This will create an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or any other specific needs may benefit from movement breaks. Physical activity can help these students regulate their energy levels, boost executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Since movement breaks can be easily adapted they can be tailored to fit the needs of various age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning styles. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that every student can succeed.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories or themes to get students involved.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers may lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The breaks during movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How can we fit in the time to move if our schedules are jammed?

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine for transitions between different topics or following intense concentration. Even brief activity provides significant 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 stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the school culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning could be linked to the breaks in your exercise.

Tips to get started

1. Start slow: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Get feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the duration of breaks can be altered according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for organized exercise. They are intended to supplement it.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements require no equipment or only simple objects like balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating movement breaks into every schoolday is an easy approach that has proven advantages. From improving academic performance to improving physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is crucial. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a policymaker.

Include movement as an integral part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, develop and thrive when they move.