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The overall development of the student is becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing educational environment. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time is becoming the standard. This guide will explore the reason why break time is essential to every school day, and the benefits they offer, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.
Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day where students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises. In contrast to physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed curriculum, movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to re-energize students and refresh their minds.
One of the main 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 60 minutes of exercise activity daily. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.
School breaks during movement provide numerous health advantages:
Regular exercise improves your immune system, and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.
In contrast to the popular belief that more time spent in school results in better scores, research has proven that taking a break in class can boost academic performance . Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients that are vital for brain function.
The most important academic benefits include:
Studies have found that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have better achievement scores than those without such breaks.
Mental health is a matter that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many youngsters of school age. The movement breaks play an important role in supporting emotional regulation and well-being.
Emotional benefits include:
The physical activity you do throughout the day can help to release pent up energy and stress. This can create a positive classroom atmosphere.
The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, improve executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.
Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair up to interactive group exercises. They ensure that each student is able to thrive.
Virtual learning isn't any different. Breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers may conduct video-based activities or provide students with movement-related challenges to complete at their homes.
On the contrary research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive, and are more effective during their lessons. Movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not an interruption.
You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule for transitions between different topics or following intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.
Many movement activities require little space or can be done by standing in front of desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple hand and arm movements are effective in small classrooms.
The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about personal benefits, it's about creating the school's culture of well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:
Other wellness programs, such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying social-emotional education, social-emotional learning can be incorporated into breaks for movement.
Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.
No. Breaks for movement are a complement to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.
Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized to preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.
Not at all. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or simple items like balls, scarves or even music.
Incorporating movements into your school day is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. From improving academic performance to improving physical fitness to improving mental well-being and classroom behavior The research proves that movement is important. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the success of the next generation.
Making movement a vital part of the school experience for all students. Students learn, grow and prosper by moving.
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