Addressing Teacher Concerns about Lost Instructional Time

In the current rapidly changing educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the holistic student's development. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increasing screen time becomes the commonplace, the need for purposeful, structured physical activities during the school day has never been more urgent. This guide will explore the reason why break time is an essential part of any school day, and the advantages they bring, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also known as breaks for the brain break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short breaks during the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises that involve movements. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent, short interruptions of classes that are sedentary. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running in the same
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why movement breaks matter The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular movement breaks for health is one of the main reasons to incorporate these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at least 60 minutes of physical movement each day. A majority of students fail to comply with this requirement due to the fact that they spend so many hours in class.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health advantages:

• Improve your fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system and helps you maintain healthy habits for life.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to popular belief that spending more time in school leads to better results, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can improve the academic level. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers nutrients and oxygen that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

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

According to research that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more concentrated and achieve higher scores over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is a growing concern, with anxiety, stress, and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. The importance of movement breaks in managing emotions and improving mental health is widely known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and collaboration

Exercise during the school hours provides an opportunity to release any excess tension, anger, or worry, helping to create a positive school environment.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and problems with sensory processing or other special needs. Physical activity can help students regulate their energy levels, enhance executive function, and help them better participate in academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities, break breaks are designed to ensure that every child gets the chance to excel.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories, or themes to keep students entertained.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. Movement breaks are just as important. Teachers can either conduct video-based activities or give students movement challenges to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

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

How do we find the time to move if our schedules are so jam-packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into transitions between subjects or during time of intense focus. Even a short activity can provide noticeable benefits.

"What if our classroom space isn't enough?"

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space, or can be performed by standing in front of desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretching, chair-yoga or even simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The impact of movement breaks on the School Culture

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks, but also about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Students who are healthier and have more absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness initiatives such as bullying prevention, nutrition education and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning could be linked to movement breaks.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and increase it from there.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Get feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to implement movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break to walk around. But, the duration of breaks is adjustable in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for regular physical education. They are designed to supplement it.

Is it appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only basic items such as balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is a simple, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching advantages. The research suggests that movement is important for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. You can make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you're an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a politician.

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