Using Art and Movement Together

The holistic development of the child is increasingly crucial in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the commonplace, the need for purposeful, structured physical activity during the school day is never greater. This guide will explore the reasons why breaks for movement are an essential part of any school day, what benefits they offer and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks are brief periods of time during school hours when students are encouraged engage with physical activity. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness activities. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent brief interruptions to classes that are sedentary. They aid in refocusing students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is their positive impact on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical movement each day. Many students do not adhere to this advice because they are occupied for so many hours in class.

School-based movement breaks Provide a variety of health benefits

• Enhance the cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and helps in the creation of long-term healthy habits.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics can lead to better grades Research has shown that incorporating breaks in movement can enhance academic performance. Physical activity increases the blood flow to the brain. This helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased on-task behavior

According to research the students who have movement breaks are more focused and score higher than those who do not.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many students of school age. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and create a positive feeling
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the school hours provides an opportunity to release any excess anger, frustration or anxiety, assisting to create a more positive school environment.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. Physical activity can help these students regulate their energy levels, improve executive function, and better perform in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

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

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your daily routine

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially during long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories, or themes to entice students.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can facilitate live activities through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Research shows that students who move regularly are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How do we make enough time to move in an already packed schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine in order to switch between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a smaller space. In smaller classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or just simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture within schools that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness programs, such as social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and anti-bullying programs.

Start with these Tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of the daily 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 success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing movement breaks?

Most experts recommend a movement 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. Breaks for movement are a complement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient moves require minimal or no equipment, including scarves or music, or even balls.

Integrating breaks for movement into the daily school routine could provide a broad array of advantages. Research shows that exercise is essential for a myriad of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behaviour. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine is a way to invest in the success of the next generation.

Making movement a vital element of school life for every student. Learners grow and flourish when they move.