Best Practices for Safe Movement Breaks Indoors

In today's rapidly evolving educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the overall growth of students. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted 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 activity during the school day has never been more urgent. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science of their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks are short periods in the school day when students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. These breaks can include stretching, dancing, more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises. Unlike physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place or jumping over jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve 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 on the health of a person is among the main reasons to incorporate them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and teens should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. But, many children fall short of this recommendation due to long hours spent in class.

Breaks in school for movement offer several health advantages:

• Improve your the cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and helps in the growth of healthy lifestyles.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

In contrast to the popular belief that spending more time in school will result in higher grades, research has shown that taking breaks to move in class can boost the academic level of students . Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen which are vital to cognitive function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• Increased focus on task

According to studies, students who take movement breaks are more concentrated and have higher scores over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety, and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. The movement breaks play an important role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released to give you a feeling of happiness
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

Physical activity during the school day provides a healthy outlet for pent-up anger, frustration, or worry, helping to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or with other disabilities. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic assignments.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement are easily modified to accommodate the needs of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to interactive group activities, movement breaks ensure that every child gets the chance to excel.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate these breaks.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

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

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

On the contrary studies show that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

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

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine, either to transition between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

"What is the best course to take if space isn't enough?"

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a small space. In small classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

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 lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize exercise are likely to have:

• Students with better health and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• More teacher satisfaction and lower burnout rates
• Higher academic performance

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

Tips to Get Started

1. Begin slow: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Most experts suggest a move 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. No. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for structured physical education. They are designed to enhance it.

Are movements appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities need no equipment, or just simple objects like balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is a simple approach that has proven advantages. Research shows that movement is important for many reasons that include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. 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 next generation's success.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience--because when students move, they learn, grow and flourish.