Evaluating Movement Break Programs: What Works

In today's ever-changing education system, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the overall growth of students. Test scores and academic rigor remain important, but a growing body of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized, purposeful physical activity in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the standard. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science of their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods of time during the school day where students are encouraged engage in physical activities. They can be a time for stretching, dancing, more structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined schedule, these breaks are brief, regular interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to re-energize students and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place or jumping over jacks
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

Why movement breaks matter The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular physical activity breaks on health is one of the main reasons to incorporate them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of regular physical activity. Many students do not comply with this requirement due to the fact that they spend long hours in school.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve your fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system, and also encourages the growth of healthy lifestyles.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that more time spent in school results in better scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks in class can boost the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive functioning.

The main benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• An increase in on-task behavior

The results of studies have shown that students who get breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have greater achievement scores when compared with students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age children. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during school day provides an opportunity to release any excess energy, frustration or anxiety, assisting to create a more comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or with other disabilities. Students with these conditions will benefit from exercise in regulating their energy levels, increasing the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because they can be easily adapted they can be tailored to fit the needs of different age groups and physical abilities as well as learning style. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches up to interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each child can succeed.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping, or quick games.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Follow the progress: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine techniques.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Breaks for movement are equally essential during online learning. Teachers may facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related tasks they can complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

Research shows that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in class. The movement breaks are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

"How can we create enough time to move in a packed schedule?"

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into transitions between subjects or after times that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed standing beside desks. In smaller classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or simple arm and hand movements can be effective.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

It's not just about 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. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students with better health and more absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities, such as social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and anti-bullying programs.

Start with these Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools have 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. Breaks for movement are a complement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is it appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities need no equipment, or just simple objects like balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating breaks to move throughout the school day could provide a broad variety of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting mental well-being and classroom behavior, the research is clear: movement matters. Whether 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.

Make movement an essential aspect of the school day for every student. Learners develop and flourish by moving.