Improving Attendance with Movement-Focused Interventions

The overall development of the child is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body research highlights an element which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the standard, the demand for a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day is never greater. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis that explains their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also known as brain breaks, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are brief periods during the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activities. The breaks may range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that involve moving. Breaks for movement, in contrast to physical education classes that follow the same curriculum, are frequently, short interruptions of classes that are sedentary. They can help students refocus their in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks on the health of a person is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes of exercise. A majority of students fail to comply with this requirement due to the fact that they spend so many hours in class.

School-based movement breaks Offer Several Health Benefits

• Enhance fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Help with weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and helps you maintain good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief that spending more time studying leads to better results studies show that integrating movement breaks can actually enhance the academic level. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are crucial to cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• More focused focus on task behavior

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more focused and achieve higher scores over those who don't.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The movement breaks play an important role in supporting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction opportunities and teamwork

Physical activity during the day can assist to release pent up energy, 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), problems with sensory processing or any other needs. Students with these conditions can benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that each student can succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct breaks with confidence.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as essential during online learning. Teachers can facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the classroom?

Studies show that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in class. The breaks during movement can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule for transitions between topics or after intensive concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

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

Many movement activities require little space or can be done by standing in front of desks. In small classrooms, sitting yoga, stretches in a chair, or even simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The impact of movement breaks on School Culture

It's not just about personal benefits of having movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture in schools that values health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Schools that prioritize movement tend to experience:

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

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning can be aligned with movement breaks.

Tips to get started

1. Begin slow: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute breaks for movement?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes, but the frequency can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for regular exercise. They are designed to enhance it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement need no equipment, or just basic items such as balls, scarves, or even music.

Incorporating breaks for movement throughout the school day can provide a vast variety of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior It's clear from the research that movement is important. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the next generation's success.

Making movement a vital part of the school experience for all students. Students learn, grow and prosper by moving.