Using Movement to Support Executive Function

In today's rapidly evolving educational environment the spotlight is focused on the holistic student's development. Test scores and academic rigor remain important however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increased screen time become the norm, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day is never more urgent. This guide will explore why movement breaks are an important part of every school day, what benefits they offer and give practical suggestions for administrators and teachers.

What are the Movement Breaks in Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks, are short periods in the school day when students are encouraged engage with physical activity. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more structured games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that involve moving. Unlike physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and refresh their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• In place running or jumping Jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why it is important to break the movement of a person: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive impact on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes of daily exercise. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent sitting in classrooms.

School-based movement breaks Provide a variety of health benefits

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system, and also encourages the creation of long-term healthy routines.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the notion that more time on academics can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating movement breaks can actually improve academic performance. Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients that are essential to cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

Research has shown that students who are given breaks to move return to work more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many students who are in school. Movement breaks play a significant role in supporting emotional regulation and well-being.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the school day can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger or anxiety, assisting to create a positive classroom environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), problems with sensory processing or other special needs. Physical activity can help these students manage their energy levels, enhance executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Since movement breaks are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to fit the needs of different age groups and physical abilities as well as learning methods. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks guarantee every student has the opportunity to excel.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories, or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred exercise.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead breaks with confidence.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers may facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

Research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we make time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine, either to transition between subjects or to recover from intensive concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

"What is the best course to take if space is limited?"

Certain activities can be done sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. Seated stretches, chair yoga or even basic hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Greater Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

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

• 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
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional learning can be incorporated into breaks for movement.

Tips to get started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be constant. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Get feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes but the frequency can be adjusted to suit each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is a simple approach that has proven advantages. The research shows that physical activity is crucial for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you are a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a politician.

Make movement an essential element of school life for all students. Learners develop and flourish when they move.