The Role of Parents in Movement Break Advocacy

The holistic growth of the student is becoming more important in today's rapidly changing educational environment. Test scores and academic rigor remain important, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activity throughout the school day is never greater. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be an integral part of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks, are brief periods of time during the school day where students are encouraged engage with physical activity. These breaks can include stretching, dancing, more organized games, exercises or mindfulness activities. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow an established curriculum, are often and short interruptions in the class's sedentary time. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• In place running or jumping Jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks on health is one of the most compelling reasons for including them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of physical activity. Yet, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

School breaks during movement offer several health advantages:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system and helps you maintain lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that a longer time at school leads to better scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance academic performance . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are essential for cognitive functioning.

Key academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased focus on task

According to research the students who have movement breaks are more focused and score higher over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. The role of exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins release to create a positive feeling
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

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

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), problems with sensory processing or with other disabilities. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better participate in academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Because movement breaks are easily adaptable they can be tailored to meet the needs of various age groups, physical abilities, and learning methods. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities movement breaks ensure that every child is able to succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories, or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their preferred exercise.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Movement breaks are just as essential during online learning. Teachers can conduct video-based activities or give students movement tasks they can finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

Research shows that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in class. Breaks for movement are an investment into learning and not distracting.

"How can we create enough time to move in an already packed schedule?"

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine, either to transition between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even short activities can bring noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Many activities that require only a little space, or can be performed standing beside desks. In small classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The impact of movement breaks on School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about creating a school culture that values health, well-being and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Improved overall student health and less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• More teacher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are more impressive

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 to get started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and build from there.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to introduce movement breaks?

Experts suggest schools have a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the duration of breaks can be adjusted according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating movements into your school day is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research that movement is important. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine can be a significant investment in the future of our children's success.

Let's make it a non-negotiable element of each student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, develop, and thrive.