Parent Involvement: Encouraging Movement at Home

The holistic development of the child is becoming more important in the current rapidly evolving educational environment. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body research highlights an element which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day is never more important. This guide will discuss why movement breaks are essential to every school day, the advantages they bring and give practical suggestions for administrators and teachers.

What Are Movement Breaks in Schools?

Movement breaks--also known as breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short breaks during the school day when students are required to participate in physical activities. These breaks can range from a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more organized games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities that involve movements. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping over jacks
• 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 movement breaks for health is one of the main reasons to incorporate these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children get 60 minutes of regular physical activity. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

Movement breaks in schools offer several health advantages:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and promotes good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the common belief that more time spent in school will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking movement breaks during class can improve academic performance . Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers nutrients and oxygen that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

The key academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• A greater focus on the task

According to studies, students who take movement breaks are more focused and score higher than students who don't.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental health of students is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age children. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is widely known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the day can help to release the tension, frustration or worry. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, improve their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement are easily modified to accommodate the needs of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to group-based activities that are interactive, breaks in the form of movement ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think jumping, stretching or playing games in a short time.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories or themes to engage students.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can either lead video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related challenges to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the classroom?

On the contrary studies show that students who move regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we find the time to move during a packed schedule?"

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine in order to switch between topics or after intense concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

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

Many movement activities require little space or can be done sitting at desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.

The impact of movement breaks on the School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about individual benefits; it's about building an environment that promotes well-being, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Healthier overall for students and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are increased
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

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

Tips for Getting Started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
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)

What is the best time to introduce movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools have a 30-minute break for movement. However, the duration of breaks is adjustable in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for organized exercise. They are meant to enhance it.

Are movements appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements require no equipment or only simple items like balls, scarves or music.

Integrating breaks to move into the daily school routine can provide a vast array of advantages. The research shows that exercise is essential for a myriad of reasons that include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing regular breaks in your routine is an investment in the future of our children's success.

Include movement as an integral element of school life for every student. Students learn, grow and thrive by moving.