Overcoming Resistance: Getting Staff on Board with Movement Breaks

The holistic development of the child is becoming more important in today's rapidly changing educational environment. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain crucial however, a growing amount of research has revealed a vital aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more important. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are now the norm. This guide will explore 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.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks are short breaks during the school day where students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. Unlike physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set curriculum, movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time intended to boost students' energy and refresh their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• In place running or jumping jacks
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of regular physical activity. However, many students aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent in class.

School-based movement breaks provide a number of health benefits

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

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and helps in the development of lifelong healthy lifestyles.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that spending more time in school leads to better grades, research has shown that taking a break during class can improve the academic level of students . Physical activity increases the flow of blood to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

Key academic benefits include:

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

Research has shown that students who receive movement breaks return to tasks with greater focus and demonstrate better achievement scores than those without such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is a matter that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression are a major concern for students who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the day can help to release the tension, frustration or worry. This will create an environment that is positive for students.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing challenges, or other special needs. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, enhancing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Because they can be easily adapted, they can be tailored to meet the requirements of different age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities, breaks in the form of movement guarantee each student is able to excel.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep your students interested.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their preferred movement activities.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Monitor the progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can conduct live activities on video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

However studies show that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive, and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement are an Investment in learning, not distracting.

How do we find time to move when our schedules are so jam-packed?

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes--and can be built into transitions between subjects or during time of intense focus. Even a short activity can provide noticeable benefits.

What happens if the space in which that we have available is not enough?

Many activities that require only a little space, or can be performed sitting at desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Broader Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that values health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

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.

Tips to get started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to start introducing movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break to move around. However, the frequency of breaks is adjustable in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is it suitable 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 simple items like balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching advantages. From boosting academic performance and physical health to supporting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior It's clear from the research: movement matters. You can invest in the future of your students whether you're a teacher or administrator, a parent or a politician.

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