Addressing Parent Concerns about Movement in Class

The holistic development of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body research highlights an element that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are now the norm. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis that explains their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day when students are motivated to engage in physical activity. These breaks can include stretching, dancing, more structured games or exercises, or mindfulness exercises. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions of sedentary class time intended to boost students' energy and refresh their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in the same
• Yoga or stretching poses
• 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 impact of physical activity breaks for health is one of the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of daily exercise. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation because they are occupied for so many hours in class.

Movement breaks in schools can provide a variety of health advantages:

• Enhance the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and encourages good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the belief that spending more time in school will result in better performance, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can enhance the academic level. Physical activity boosts blood flow to your brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

The key academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• More focused on-task behavior

The results of studies have shown that students who are given breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show greater achievement scores when compared with those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the day can assist to release pent up energy and stress. This creates positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), problems with sensory processing or other special needs. They can benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, improving executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches through interactive group exercises. They ensure that each child can succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Enjoy it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to entice students.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Establish guidelines: 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 of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students challenges to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

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

How can we fit in time to move when our schedules are jammed?

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule for transitions between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide significant benefits.

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

Certain activities can be done standing next to desks or in a smaller space. In small classrooms, sitting stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand movements can be effective.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about individual benefits; it's about building a school culture that values wellbeing, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that prioritize exercise are likely to have:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities including social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs to combat bullying.

Tips to get started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be adjusted to suit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement 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. A lot of effective activities for movement require no equipment or only basic items such as balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating breaks for movement throughout the school day can have a wide range of benefits. Research shows that movement is important for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behaviour. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the next generation's success.

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