Encouraging Teacher Participation in Movement

The holistic development of the student is becoming more important in the current rapidly evolving educational landscape. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain important however, a growing amount of research has revealed a vital factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the norm, the need for structured, purposeful physical activities during the school day has never been more urgent. This guide will explore why movement breaks are an essential part of any school day, and the benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Motion breaks--also known as brain breaks, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short breaks during the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to re-energize students and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in the same
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily movement breaks on the health of a person is among the main reasons to incorporate them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of daily exercise. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and promotes good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the widely held belief that spending more time in school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking breaks to move in class can boost the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts circulation of blood to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• A greater focus on the task

The results of studies have shown that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental health of children is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age children. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is well known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical activity you do during the day can help to release the tension, frustration or worry. 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 a break in their movement. They benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, improving executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks are easily modified to accommodate the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that every student is able to thrive.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct breaks with confidence.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

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

"How can we create enough time to move in the midst of a busy schedule?"

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or after periods of intense focus. Even short activities can bring noticeable advantages.

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

Many activities that require only a little space or can be done by standing in front of desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even simple arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

It's not only about the personal benefits of having movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture in schools that is centered around wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning could be linked to movement breaks.

Start with these Tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break to move around. But, the duration of breaks is adjustable in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Movement breaks are not an alternative to regular exercise. They are designed to supplement it.

Is movement appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted to preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only simple objects like balls, scarves or even music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical fitness to improving the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear: movement matters. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks can be a significant investment in the future of our children's success.

Making movement a vital part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, grow and thrive when they move.