Best Practices for Safe Movement Breaks Indoors

In the current rapidly changing education system The spotlight is now focused on the holistic student's development. The quality of their education and the scores they score are important however, a growing body of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increased screen time become the norm, the need for structured, purposeful physical activities during the school day is never more urgent. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine and uncover the science behind their advantages, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also called brain breaks, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day during which students are motivated to engage in physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, or other structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in the class's sedentary time. They aid in refocusing students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in the same
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of movement breaks on the health of a person is among the strongest reasons for incorporating them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. But, many children aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the common belief that spending more time in school results in better results, research has demonstrated that taking a break during class can improve academic performance . Physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain. This helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that are essential to brain function.

The main benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• A greater focus on the task

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

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is an increasing concern with anxiety, stress, and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. The importance of movement breaks in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released and make you feel good
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to release pent up energy and stress. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from breaks in movement. Physical activity can help these students manage their energy levels, boost executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to make sure that each student gets the chance to excel.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your daily routine

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music or themes to get students involved.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related tasks they can do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

Contrary to popular belief studies show that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive, and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we make the time to move during an already packed schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine for transitions between different topics or following an intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

What happens if the space in which we have is limited?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space, or can be performed sitting at desks. In smaller classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or even simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Greater Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture in schools that values health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Students with healthier health and lower absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

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

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start slow: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools should take a 30 minute break for movement. However, the duration of breaks can be altered according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Movement breaks are not an alternative to organized physical education. They are designed to supplement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective movements require little or no equipment, such as scarves or music, or even balls.

Integrating breaks for movement into the daily school routine could provide a broad range of benefits. The research shows that movement is important for a myriad of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or even a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is an 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.