Movement Breaks in Special Education: Adaptations and Benefits

In today's ever-changing education system the spotlight is turning to the holistic development of students. 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. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are becoming the commonplace. In this article we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science that explains the benefits of these breaks, and present concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short periods within the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks can range from short periods of stretching or dancing to more formal exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities which require moving. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of physical activity breaks on health is one of the most compelling reasons for including them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens take part in 60 minutes of exercise. A majority of students fail to comply with this requirement due to the fact that they spend too many hours in the classroom.

Movement breaks in schools can provide a variety of health advantages:

• Improve your fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system, and also encourages the growth of healthy habits.

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 class can improve academic performance . Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

The most important benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased focus on task

Studies have found that students who receive movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have greater achievement scores when compared with students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that concerns many students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many youngsters who are in school. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and promoting mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional benefits include:

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

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

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. Physical activity can help these students manage their energy levels, improve their executive functioning, and enable them to better participate in academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement are easily modified to meet the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities movement breaks ensure each student gets the chance to succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Enjoy it: Use music, stories or themes to engage students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead breaks with confidence.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Movement breaks are equally important. Teachers can lead live activity sessions on video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Contrary to popular belief research has shown that students who move regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we make time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine 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?

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a small space. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Greater Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about creating a culture in schools that is centered around wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness initiatives including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and programs to combat bullying.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and build from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be altered to meet the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are movements appropriate for all children?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for 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 objects like balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating movements into your school day is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. The research shows that exercise is essential for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. It is possible to invest in the future of your students, whether you're a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a policymaker.

Let's make it a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve and flourish.