Funding and Grant Opportunities for Movement Initiatives

The holistic growth of the student is increasingly crucial in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: 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 standard. This guide will explore the reasons why breaks for movement are an essential part of any school day, what benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies for administrators and teachers.

What Are Movement Breaks in 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 to participate in physical activities. They can be anything from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities that involve moving. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education that adhere to an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to sedentary class time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• In place running or jumping jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of exercise. Many students do not adhere to this advice due to the fact that they spend long hours in school.

Moving breaks in schools provide a number of health benefits

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy 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 studying can lead to better grades Research has shown that incorporating breaks for movement can increase academic performance. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen which are vital to cognitive function.

The most important benefits for academics include:

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

According to research that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more concentrated and score higher than students who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that concerns many students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many students who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction opportunities and teamwork

Physical activity during the day can help to release the tension and stress. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), difficulties with sensory processing, or with other disabilities. They can benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic activities.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks ensure each student has the opportunity to succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your schedule

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching, or quick games.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, stories, or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can facilitate live activities through video calls, or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

On the contrary studies show that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How can we fit in time to move when our schedules are so jam-packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into transitions between subjects or following times of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

"What if our classroom space is limited?"

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed sitting at desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretches, chair-yoga, or simple arm and hand movements can be effective.

The Greater Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about personal benefits, it's about creating an environment that promotes wellbeing, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that prioritize movement tend to experience:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• School spirit and community involvement are enhanced
• Higher satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• More academically successful

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning could be linked to the breaks in your exercise.

Start with these Tips

1. Start slow: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute movement breaks?

Experts suggest schools should take a 30 minute break for movement. However, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for organized exercise. They are designed to complement it.

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized to preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

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 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 physical activity is crucial for many reasons that include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you're a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or politician.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience. Why? Because when kids move, they learn, grow, and thrive.