The Economics of Healthier, More Active Schools

In today's ever-changing educational environment the spotlight is turning to the holistic growth of students. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body research highlights an element that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as more screen time are becoming the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activities during the school day has never been more important. This guide will explore the reason why break time is essential to every school day, the benefits they provide and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in Schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods in the school day when students are encouraged to participate with physical activity. They can be anything from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises that involve movements. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed program, the movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to help students reenergize and refocus their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

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

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily exercise breaks for health is one of the most compelling reasons for including them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of physical activity. A majority of students fail to adhere to this advice because they are occupied for too many hours in the classroom.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and helps in the development of lifelong healthy habits.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the notion that spending more time in school can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating movement breaks can actually improve academic performance. Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are essential for cognitive functioning.

The key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more concentrated and score higher than students who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. The movement breaks play an important role in helping to regulate emotions and well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

Exercise during the school day can provide an outlet for the accumulated anger, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a more positive school environment.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD, sensory processing issues or other special needs can benefit from breaks in movement. These students benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, improving executive function and participating in academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Because movement breaks are easily adaptable they can be tailored to meet the requirements of different age groups and physical abilities as well as learning style. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities breaks in the form of movement ensure every student gets the chance to succeed.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require little equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it: Make use of stories, music or themes to engage students.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of movement breaks.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require these breaks.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can facilitate video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

On the contrary, research shows that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we make enough time to move in an already packed schedule?"

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

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

Certain activities can be done sitting next to desks or in a small space. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple hand and arm exercises work well in small classrooms.

The Greater Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that is centered around wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students with better health and more absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities like social-emotional education, nutrition education, or programs that combat bullying.

Start with these Tips

1. Start slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break to move around. However, the frequency of breaks is adjustable depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not an alternative to structured exercise. They are designed to supplement it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities do not require any equipment or simple items like balls, scarves or even music.

Incorporating breaks for movement into each school day can have a wide range of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is crucial. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you're a teacher or administrator, a parent or a policymaker.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience. Because when students move they learn, improve and flourish.