Policy Advocacy for Movement Breaks at the State Level thumbnail

Policy Advocacy for Movement Breaks at the State Level

Published en
4 min read

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.

What are movement breaks in schools?

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.

Examples of Movement Breaks

  • Running or jumping jacks in place
  • Yoga Poses or Stretching
  • 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

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:

  • Improve your cardiovascular fitness
  • Increase flexibility and muscle strength
  • Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
  • Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

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:

  • Increased focus and attention
  • Enhanced memory retention
  • Better problem-solving skills
  • More engagement and more participation
  • Increased focus on task

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.

3. Mental Well-being

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:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Improved mood and self-esteem
  • Endorphins are released to give you a feeling of happiness
  • Social interaction and teamwork

The physical activity you do throughout the day can help to release pent up energy and stress. This can create a positive classroom atmosphere.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

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.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

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.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

  • Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
  • Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
  • Enjoy it: Use music, stories or themes to get students involved.
  • Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

  • Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
  • Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
  • Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
  • Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

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.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

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.

"How can we create time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

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.

"What if our classroom space is limited?"

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 impact of movement breaks on School Culture

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:

  • Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
  • The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
  • More satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
  • Academic results that are more impressive

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

Tips to get started

  1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
  2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
  3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
  4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
  5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to start introducing movement breaks?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized to preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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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