Simple Equipment for Classroom Movement Breaks

The overall development of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing education system. Test scores and academic rigor are important however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity throughout the school day is never greater. In this guide we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks are short breaks during school hours when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more structured games or exercises, or mindfulness activities. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time intended to boost students' energy and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

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

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

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular movement breaks for the health of a person is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens engage in 60 minutes of exercise. Many students do not adhere to this advice due to the fact that they spend so many hours in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools provide a number of health benefits

• Enhance the cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and encourages healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that more time spent in school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking a break during class can improve academic performance . Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients which are vital to cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Increased focus and attention
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased focus on task behavior

Studies have found that students who are given breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety and depression affecting many school-age children. The importance of movement breaks in managing emotions and improving mental health is widely known.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can help to release pent up energy anger, stress or anxiety. This can create a positive classroom atmosphere.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for students with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), problems with sensory processing or any other needs. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, enhance their executive functioning, and enable them to better participate in academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks are easily modified to meet the requirements of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can be anything from simple chair stretching through interactive group exercises. They make sure that each student can succeed.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Establish guidelines: 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.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Movement breaks are equally important. Teachers can conduct video-based activities or give students movement challenges to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research has shown that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not an interruption.

"How do we find enough time to move in a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or during time that require intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide tangible benefits.

"What if our classroom space is limited?"

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a smaller space. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks; it's also about establishing a culture in schools that is centered around wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Healthier overall for students and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

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

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and build from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to institute movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break for movement. However, the frequency of breaks can be altered in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized to preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient moves require little or no equipment, like scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is an easy approach that has proven benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical health to supporting mental well-being and classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is important. 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.

Include movement as an integral part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, grow and prosper by moving.