Integrating Movement Breaks into Lesson Plans

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic student's development. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the norm. This guide will explain the reason why break time is essential to every school day, what benefits they offer and provide practical tips for administrators and teachers.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short breaks during school hours when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are brief, regular interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

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

Why it is important to break the movement of a person: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of exercise breaks on the health of a person is among the most compelling reasons for including them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. Many students do not comply with this requirement because they spend long hours in school.

School breaks during movement offer several health advantages:

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

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

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school leads to better grades, research has shown that taking breaks to move in class can boost academic performance . Physical activity increases the flow of blood to the brain, which delivers nutrients and oxygen that are crucial to cognitive function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

Research has shown that students who are given breaks for movement return to their work with greater concentration and show higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

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

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Opportunity for social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can assist to release pent up energy and stress. This can create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from a break in their movement. Physical activity can help students control their energy levels, enhance executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can be easily adapted to accommodate 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 ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your daily routine

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require little equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can conduct live activity sessions through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Studies show that students who exercise regularly are more focused and productive in classes. Movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not distracting.

"How do we find time for movement in a packed schedule?"

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into interludes between subjects, or following periods of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

What happens if the space in which we have is limited?

Certain activities can be done sitting next to desks or in a smaller space. In smaller classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on School Culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about the individual benefit; it's about building an environment that promotes well-being, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower burnout rates
• Academic results that are more impressive

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness programs including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and programs that combat bullying.

Get Started with These Tips

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute movement breaks?

The majority of experts recommend a 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. There is no need to. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for regular physical education. They are intended to enhance it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or basic items such as scarves, balls, or even music.

Incorporating movement breaks into every school day is a simple, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching benefits. The research shows that physical activity is crucial for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. You can invest in the future of your students, whether you are a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a policymaker.

Include movement as an integral aspect of the school day for every student. Learners develop and thrive by moving.