Movement Breaks for Inclusive Classrooms

In today's rapidly evolving educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic growth of students. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain important however, a growing amount of research reveals a key aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities 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 article we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a key element of any school's daily routine and uncover the science of their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also called breaks for the brain break, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short breaks during the school day where students are required to participate in physical activity. The breaks may range from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities which require movements. The movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place or jumping jacks
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular exercise breaks on health is among the strongest reasons for incorporating these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens take part in 60 minutes of regular physical activity. Many students do not comply with this requirement due to the fact that they spend so many hours in class.

Breaks in school for movement can provide a variety of health advantages:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and helps in the creation of long-term healthy lifestyles.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the widely held belief that more time spent in school will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking movement breaks during class can improve the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers nutrients and oxygen that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

The main academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• More focused on-task behavior

The results of studies have shown that students who get movement breaks return to tasks with greater concentration and show greater achievement scores when compared with those without such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is an issue that concerns many students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of children of school age. Movement breaks play a significant role in helping to regulate emotions and well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

Physical activity during school hours provides a healthy outlet for pent-up anger, frustration or anxiety, assisting to create a positive classroom environment.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from a break in their movement. They can benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks are easily modified to meet the needs of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks guarantee each student gets the chance to excel.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching or playing games in a short time.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking movement breaks.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can facilitate live activity sessions through video calls, or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

On the contrary research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we make time for movement in the midst of a busy schedule?"

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or after times that require intense concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or can be done by standing in front of desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple hand and arm movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Greater Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that values well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students who are healthier and have less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning can be aligned with the breaks in your exercise.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes but the frequency can be altered to meet the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for organized exercise. They are meant to enhance it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only simple items like scarves, balls, or music.

Incorporating breaks to move throughout the school day can have a wide array of advantages. From boosting academic performance and physical fitness to improving the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is important. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the future of our children's success.

Let's make it a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move, they learn, grow, and thrive.