Celebrating Success: Awards for Active Classrooms

The holistic growth 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 overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increasing screen time becomes the commonplace, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity throughout the school day has never been greater. This guide will explain why movement breaks are essential to every school day, what benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies for administrators and teachers.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also called breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day during which students are motivated to engage in physical activities. These breaks can range from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more structured games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities which require movement. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to the sedentary classroom intended to boost students' energy and refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest motives to include movement breaks is their positive effects on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens engage in 60 minutes of physical activity. However, many students fall short of this recommendation due to long hours spent in class.

Moving breaks in schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and encourages the creation of long-term healthy habits.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

In contrast to the popular belief that a longer time at school results in better results, research has demonstrated that taking breaks to move during class can improve the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

The key benefits for academics include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• An increase in the amount of time spent on task.

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and score higher over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for children of school age. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is widely known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Opportunity for social interaction and collaboration

Physical activity during the school day provides a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), problems with sensory processing or any other needs. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, improve executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches through interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student can succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your day

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music or themes to get students involved.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Breaks for movement are equally essential during online learning. Teachers can facilitate live sessions of activity through video calls, or assign movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

Studies show that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in class. The movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not an interruption.

How do we make time to move when our schedules are jammed?

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule, either to transition between topics or after intensive concentration. Even brief activity provides significant advantages.

"What is the best course to take if space is limited?"

Some exercises can be completed at desks, or in a tiny space. In small classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks into your school day; it's about creating a culture in schools that promotes health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize exercise are likely to have:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are enhanced
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• More academically successful

Other wellness programs, such as nutrition education, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional learning can be incorporated into the breaks in your exercise.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and build from there.
2. Be constant: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools should take a 30 minute break for movement. However, the duration of breaks is adjustable depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for organized exercise. They are designed to enhance it.

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities do not require any equipment or simple items like balls, scarves, or even music.

Incorporating breaks to move throughout the school day can provide a vast array of advantages. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear that movement is crucial. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the success of the next generation.

Make movement an essential element of school life for every student. Students learn, grow and thrive by moving.