Movement Breaks and Mindful Breathing

In today's rapidly evolving education system the spotlight is shifting to the overall student's development. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are now the commonplace. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine, uncover the science of the benefits of these breaks, and present 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 to engage in physical activities. They can be anything from a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises which require movement. The movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow a curriculum, are frequent brief interruptions to classes that are sedentary. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in the same
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest reasons to incorporate movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activities each day. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend in the classroom.

Moving breaks in schools provide a number of health benefits

• Improve your the cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system, and also encourages the growth of healthy habits.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics can lead to better grades studies show that integrating breaks in movement can increase academic performance. Physical activity increases the flow of blood to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

The main academic benefits are:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

Studies have found that students who are given breaks to move return to work more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is a matter that concerns many students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for youngsters who are in school. Movement breaks play a significant role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and collaboration

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can assist to release the tension anger, stress or anxiety. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. Physical activity can help students manage their energy levels, enhance their executive functioning, and enable them to better perform in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can range from simple chair stretches through interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student can thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as running, jumping, or quick games.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can facilitate video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks they can do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the classroom?

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

How do we make the time to move if our schedules are so jam-packed?

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine in order to switch between different topics or following intensive concentration. Even brief activity provides significant benefits.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

Many movement activities require little space or can be done standing beside desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even basic hand and arm movements work well in small classrooms.

The impact of movement breaks on School Culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture in schools that promotes well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Greater teacher satisfaction and lower burnout rates
• Higher academic performance

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness activities including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or programs to combat bullying.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Begin slow: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute breaks for movement?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be altered to meet each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Movement breaks are not an alternative to structured exercise. They are meant to supplement it.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for elementary school children, preschoolers middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement need no equipment, or just simple items like balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating breaks for movement into each school day can have a wide array of advantages. Research shows that physical activity is crucial for a myriad of reasons which include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. You can make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you're a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or policymaker.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, develop, and thrive.