How Movement Breaks Help Students with ADHD

The holistic development of the child is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. The quality of their education and the scores they score are important however, a growing body of research has revealed a vital factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the commonplace. This guide will explore why movement breaks are an important part of every school day, and the advantages they bring and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also called brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short periods within the school day when students are required to participate in physical activities. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, organized games, exercises or mindfulness-based activities. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow an established curriculum, are often, short interruptions of the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why it is important to break the movement of a person The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive impact on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. A majority of students fail to adhere to this advice because they spend too many hours in the classroom.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and helps you maintain healthy habits for life.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the belief that more time on academics can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating movement breaks can actually improve the academic level. Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased the amount of time spent on task.

The results of studies have shown that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that concerns many students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for youngsters of school age. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and well-being.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

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

Exercise during the school day can provide an opportunity to release any excess tension, anger, or worry, helping to create a more positive classroom environment.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or any other specific needs may benefit from movement breaks. They can benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Since movement breaks can be easily adapted and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the requirements of different ages, physical abilities, and learning styles. Breaks for movement can range from simple chair stretches through interactive group exercises. They make sure that each child is able to thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping, or quick games.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories or themes to keep students engaged.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct breaks with confidence.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally important in virtual learning. Teachers can either lead video-based activity sessions or assign students challenges to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

Research shows that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in class. The movement breaks are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or following times that require intense concentration. Even brief activity provides noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

Some activities can be performed standing next to desks or in a smaller space. In small classrooms, sitting yoga, stretches in a chair, or even simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Greater Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks; it's also about establishing a culture within schools that values health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• More academically successful

Other wellness programs, such as bullying prevention, nutrition education social-emotional education, social-emotional learning can be incorporated into breaks for movement.

Tips to Get Started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break to move around. However, the frequency of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. The movement breaks aren't an alternative to organized exercise. They are meant to complement it.

Is it appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement require no equipment or only basic items such as scarves, balls, or even music.

Incorporating breaks for movement into the daily school routine can have a wide array of advantages. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear that movement is important. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the next generation's success.

Let's make moving a mandatory part of every student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, develop, and thrive.