Parent Involvement: Encouraging Movement at Home

The holistic development of the student is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving education system. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body research highlights an element that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom is more crucial than ever. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the norm. This guide will explain the reasons why breaks for movement are an essential part of any school day, what advantages they bring, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks, are short periods during the school day where students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. They can be anything from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more formal exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities which require moving. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are short, frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to re-energize students and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place or jumping over jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why movement breaks matter The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks for health is one of the most compelling reasons for including these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children engage in 60 minutes of daily exercise. A lot of students don't comply with this requirement because they are occupied for long hours in school.

School-based movement breaks Provide a variety of health benefits

• Enhance the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

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

The main academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• More focused on-task behavior

Research has shown that students who receive breaks for movement return to their work with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

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

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and give you a feeling of happiness
• Teamwork and social interaction

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

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. Physical activity can help these students manage their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Since movement breaks are adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the requirements of various age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning style. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to make sure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

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

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

Contrary to popular belief research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. The movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not distracting.

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

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or following time of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

Certain activities can be done standing next to desks or in a smaller space. In smaller classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about fostering the school's culture of well-being, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students with better health and more absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are enhanced
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are more impressive

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

Tips to get started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Get feedback from teachers and students: 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?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, but the timing can be adjusted to suit each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Movement breaks are not an alternative to regular physical education. They are intended to supplement it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient moves require little or no equipment, like scarves and music or balls.

Integrating breaks to move throughout the school day can have a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior The research proves: movement matters. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Make movement an essential aspect of the school day for all students. Learners develop and prosper by moving.