Assessing the ROI of School Movement Programs

The overall development of the student is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the norm. This guide will discuss the reason why break time is an important part of every school day, the advantages they bring and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks, are short breaks during the school day where students are encouraged engage in physical activities. The breaks may range from just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more formal exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that involve moving. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent brief interruptions to classes that are sedentary. They help refocus students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why movement breaks matter The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling motives to include movement breaks is their positive effects on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents must engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Yet, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Fighting childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the notion that spending more time in school leads to better results, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can improve the academic level. Physical activity increases the blood flow to the brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive functioning.

Key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Focus on the task is increased.

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more concentrated and score higher than students who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression impact a lot of youngsters of school age. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is well known.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins release to make you feel good
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can help to release the tension, frustration or worry. This creates positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), problems with sensory processing or other special needs. These students will benefit from exercise to regulate their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement are easily modified to meet the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, breaks in the form of movement guarantee each student has the opportunity to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are easy to do and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories, or themes to entice students.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. Movement breaks are just as important. Teachers can lead live activities on video calls or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How do we make the time to move if our schedules are so jam-packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into the transition between subjects or during times of intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

"What is the best course to take if space isn't enough?"

Some exercises can be completed standing next to desks or in a smaller space. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple arm and hand movements work well in small classrooms.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

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

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness-related initiatives, like nutrition education, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning could be linked to movement breaks.

Start with these Tips

1. Start slow: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be adjusted to suit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Integrating breaks to move into the daily school routine could provide a broad range of benefits. The research suggests that exercise is essential for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or the policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the next generation's success.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience--because when students move, they learn, grow and prosper.