Setting Goals for Physical Activity in Schools

The holistic development of the student is becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. Academic rigor and test scores remain important however, a growing amount of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and more screen time are becoming the standard, the demand for purposeful, structured physical activities during the school day has never been more urgent. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule, uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in Schools?

Motion breaks--also called brain breaks, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short breaks during the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks can range from a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more formal exercises, games or mindfulness exercises that involve movement. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set curriculum, movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to re-energize students and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in the same
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of exercise breaks for health is among the strongest reasons for incorporating these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents must engage in at least 60 minutes of physical movement each day. But, many children aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.

School breaks during movement offer several health advantages:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Help with weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and encourages the growth of healthy lifestyles.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the notion that more time on academics leads to better results, research shows that integrating movement breaks can actually increase academic performance. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are crucial for the functioning of the brain.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

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

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is a concern that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression impact a lot of children 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 improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity throughout the day can help to release pent up energy anger, stress or anxiety. This creates positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from a break in their movement. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, boost executive function, and help them better participate in academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Since movement breaks are adaptable they can be tailored to fit the needs of different ages, physical abilities, and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities movement breaks ensure every student is able to thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are easy to do and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, stories or themes to keep students engaged.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Breaks for movement are equally essential during online learning. Teachers may conduct video-based activities or give students movement tasks they can complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

However studies show that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not a distraction.

How can we fit in the time needed to move, when our schedules are jammed?

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or after time of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Many activities that require only a little space or can be done standing beside desks. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple hand and arm movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Impact of Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• School spirit and community involvement are increased
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness initiatives, such as social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs to combat bullying.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start slow: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Be constant. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. The movement breaks aren't as a substitute for organized physical education. They are meant to enhance it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating breaks for exercise into each school day could provide a broad array of advantages. Research shows that movement is important for many reasons that include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you are a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or politician.

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