Evidence-Based Benefits of Physical Activity for Students

The holistic development of the student is increasingly crucial in the rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research reveals an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the norm, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity throughout the school day has never been more important. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a cornerstone of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis behind the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks -- are brief periods during the school day where students are required to participate in physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. Breaks for movement, in contrast to physical education classes that follow a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They help refocus students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in the same
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular movement breaks for the health of a person is among the strongest reasons for incorporating them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children get 60 minutes of exercise. But, many children fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

Breaks in school for movement offer several health benefits:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and encourages the creation of long-term healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the belief that spending more time in school will result in better performance, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can increase academic performance. Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This provides nutrients and oxygen that are essential to brain function.

The most important benefits for academics include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased focus on task

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more concentrated and have higher scores over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

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

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins release to give you a feeling of happiness
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the school hours provides an outlet for the accumulated anger, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a more comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

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. They can benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Since movement breaks are adaptable they can be tailored to meet the requirements of different ages, physical abilities, and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities, break breaks are designed to guarantee that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your day

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important in long blocks of instruction.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories, or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their preferred movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to lead activities with confidence.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can lead live activity sessions through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research shows that students who exercise regularly are more focused and productive in classes. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we find the time to move during an already packed schedule?"

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine in order to switch between topics or after intensive concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

Some activities can be performed standing next to desks or in a small space. In small classrooms, sitting stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the school culture

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks; it's also about creating a culture in schools that is centered around well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that emphasize exercise are likely to have:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

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

Start with these Tips

1. Start slow: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be regular: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be adjusted to fit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective movements require little or no equipment, such as scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating breaks for exercise into the daily school routine can provide a vast array of advantages. Research shows that movement is important for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behaviour. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or 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.

Making movement a vital element of school life for every student. Students learn, develop and prosper by moving.