Fostering Empathy and Inclusion Through Movement

The overall growth of the student is becoming increasingly important in the current rapidly evolving education system. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as more screen time are becoming the standard, the demand for purposeful, structured physical activity throughout the school day has never been more important. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science that explains their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Movement breaks--also known as breaks for the brain break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness-based activities. The movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow an established curriculum, are often and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They aid in refocusing students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks for health is among the most compelling reasons for including these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. A lot of students don't adhere to this advice because they spend so many hours in class.

Moving breaks in schools provide a number of health benefits

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and helps you maintain good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking a break during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

Key academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

Research has shown that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show greater achievement scores when compared with students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that concerns many students. Stress, anxiety and depression impact a lot of youngsters of school age. The importance of regular exercise in managing emotions and improving mental well-being is well-known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to let go of any tension, frustration or worry. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. They benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, enhancing the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic activities.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as jumping, stretching, or quick games.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Monitor the progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead 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?"

Research has shown that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in class. Movement breaks are an Investment in learning, not a distraction.

How can we fit in the time needed to move, when our schedules are so jam-packed?

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine, either to transition between different topics or following intensive concentration. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

What happens if the space in which we have isn't enough?

Many activities that require only a little space or can be done sitting at desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretching, chair-yoga or even simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture in schools that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize movement tend to experience:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are enhanced
• Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are stronger

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

Tips to Get Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and build from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to implement movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break to move around. But, the duration of breaks is adjustable in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for organized physical education. They are designed to supplement it.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating breaks for movement throughout the school day can provide a vast variety of benefits. The research suggests that movement is important for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. If you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the success of the next generation.

Include movement as an integral aspect of the school day for every student. Students learn, develop and thrive when they move.