Improving Attendance with Movement-Focused Interventions

The overall development of the student is increasingly crucial in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic test scores and rigor 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, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more important. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time is becoming the norm. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's daily schedule, uncover the science behind their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also called brain breaks activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day during which students are required to participate in physical activities. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, organized games, exercises or mindfulness activities. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to re-energize students and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• In place running or jumping over jacks
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive impact on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens engage in 60 minutes of regular physical activity. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation because they spend long hours in school.

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

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

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and encourages healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics can lead to better grades studies show that integrating breaks in movement can increase academic performance. Physical activity increases the blood flow to the brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients that are vital for brain function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• Increased focus on task behavior

The results of studies have shown that students who get breaks for movement return to their work with greater focus and demonstrate better achievement scores than those without such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental health of students is an increasing concern with anxiety, stress, and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is well known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction opportunities and teamwork

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to release the tension anger, stress or anxiety. This can create a positive classroom atmosphere.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD, sensory processing issues or other special needs can benefit from movement breaks. Students with these conditions can benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities, breaks in the form of movement make sure that each student gets the chance to excel.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your daily routine

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as jumping, stretching or playing games in a short time.
• Fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep students entertained.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks confidently.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers may lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

However, research shows that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive, and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we make the time to move if our schedule is so packed?

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes--and can be built into the transition between subjects or during periods that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

"What if our classroom space isn't enough?"

Many activities that require only a little space or are done sitting at desks. Seated stretches, chair yoga or even basic hand and arm exercises are effective in small classrooms.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

It's not just about personal benefits of having movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture in schools that promotes health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Schools that prioritize movement tend to experience:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• School spirit and community involvement are enhanced
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness programs, such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning could be linked to breaks for movement.

Start with these Tips

1. Start slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be constant: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Solicit feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break for movement. However, the frequency of breaks can be altered depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for structured exercise. They are intended to supplement it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or simple objects like balls, scarves, or even music.

Incorporating breaks for exercise throughout the school day can provide a vast array of advantages. Research shows that exercise is essential for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the next generation's success.

Include movement as an integral aspect of the school day for all students. Students learn, develop and flourish when they move.