Developing Partnerships with PE Teachers

The holistic development of the student is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing educational environment. Academic rigor and test scores remain important, but a growing body of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increased screen time become the commonplace, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day has never been more urgent. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science behind their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Motion breaks--also called brain breaks activities breaks, brain breaks, or physical activity breaks--are brief periods during the school day during which students are motivated to engage in physical activities. They can be anything from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more formal games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that require moving. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions of sedentary class time designed to re-energize students and refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in the same
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular exercise breaks for health is among the strongest reasons for incorporating them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activities each day. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation due to the fact that they spend long hours in school.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and promotes lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the common belief that more time spent in school leads to better grades, research has shown that taking breaks to move during classes can enhance academic performance . Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• More focused on-task behavior

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more concentrated and have higher scores than students who don't.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. The importance of regular exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is widely known.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

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

Physical activity during the day can assist to release the tension, frustration or worry. This will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. They benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to group-based activities that are interactive, breaks in the form of movement guarantee each student has the opportunity to excel.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your day

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music or themes to engage students.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Breaks for movement are equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can conduct live activities through video calls, or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

However, research shows that students who move regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we make the time to move during the midst of a busy schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or during periods of intense focus. Even a short activity can provide significant benefits.

What happens if the space in which that we have available is not enough?

Certain activities can be done standing next to desks or in a tiny space. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on School Culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture within schools that values well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students who are healthier and have lower absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness initiatives including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and programs that combat bullying.

Start with these Tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Get feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break for movement. However, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements require no equipment or only simple items like balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating movements into your school day is a simple approach that has proven benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research that movement is crucial. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine is an investment in the success of the next generation.

Include movement as an integral element of school life for every student. Learners grow and prosper by moving.