Tips for New Teachers: Starting with Movement Breaks

The holistic growth of the student is becoming increasingly important in the current rapidly evolving education system. Academic rigor and test scores are important, but a growing body of research reveals a key aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the standard, the demand for a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day is never greater. This guide will explain the reason why break time is essential to every school day, and the benefits they offer and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at 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 to engage with physical activity. The breaks may range from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises that involve movement. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent, short interruptions of sedentary class time. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping Jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of exercise breaks on health is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes of regular exercise. Many students do not adhere to this advice because they spend so many hours in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Increase fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system and helps you maintain lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the common belief that more time spent in school will result in higher grades, research has shown that taking breaks to move in class can boost academic performance . Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen which are vital for the functioning of the brain.

The main academic benefits include:

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

Research has shown that students who get movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

Mental health is an issue that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for children of school age. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the day can assist to let go of any tension, frustration or worry. This creates a positive classroom atmosphere.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from movement breaks. Physical activity can help students manage their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better participate in academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to group-based activities that are interactive, breaks in the form of movement make sure that that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your daily routine

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule: 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.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Follow the progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

Research shows that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in classes. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How can we fit in time to move when our schedule is so packed?

It is possible to incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine for transitions between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide tangible advantages.

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

Some activities can be performed at desks, or in a smaller space. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on School Culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about individual benefits; it's about fostering the school's culture of health, well-being, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness initiatives, such as social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or anti-bullying programs.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and build from there.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the duration of breaks is adjustable depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for structured physical education. They are designed to enhance it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored for preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just simple objects like balls, scarves or even music.

Incorporating breaks for movement throughout the school day could provide a broad array of advantages. The research shows that exercise is essential for many reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your students whether you're an administrator or teacher as well as a parent or policymaker.

Let's make it a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, develop and flourish.