Using Movement to Support Executive Function

The overall development of the student is increasingly crucial in today's rapidly changing education system. Test scores and academic rigor remain crucial however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and more screen time are becoming the standard, the demand for structured, purposeful physical activity throughout the school day is never more important. In this article we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a key element of any school's daily routine, uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also called breaks for the brain break, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are brief periods during the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. Movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow an established curriculum, are often, short interruptions of classes that are sedentary. They help refocus students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling motives to include movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and teens should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical movement each day. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation due to the fact that they spend long hours in school.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health advantages:

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

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and helps you maintain healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating breaks in movement can increase the academic level. Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are crucial to cognitive function.

The most important benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Increased focus on task

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more concentrated and achieve higher scores than students who don't.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. The importance of movement breaks in managing emotions and improving mental well-being is well-known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

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

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or other special needs. Students with these conditions can benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, improving the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because they are adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the needs of different ages physical capabilities, as well as learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities movement breaks make sure that each student gets the chance to excel.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Studies show that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Movement breaks are an Investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we make time for movement in a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or after time of intense focus. Even short activities can bring significant advantages.

"What if our classroom space isn't enough?"

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or can be done standing beside desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even basic hand and arm movements work well in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about creating the school's culture of wellbeing, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional learning can be incorporated into breaks for movement.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Begin slow: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes but the frequency can be altered to meet the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for organized exercise. They are designed to enhance it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

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. Some of the most effective exercises require no or little equipment, such as scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating movement breaks into every school day is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. From boosting academic performance and physical fitness to improving mental well-being and classroom behavior The research proves: movement matters. 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.

Making movement a vital part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, develop and flourish by moving.