Assessing the ROI of School Movement Programs

The overall development of the child is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving educational environment. The quality of their education and the scores they score are important however, a growing body of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and more screen time are becoming the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day is never more urgent. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis that explains the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in 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 engage with physical activity. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more structured games or exercises, or mindfulness activities. The movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in classes that are sedentary. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• 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 effect of regular movement breaks on health is among the main reasons to incorporate them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and teens should engage in at 60 minutes of exercise activity daily. Many students do not adhere to this advice because they spend too many hours in the classroom.

School-based movement breaks provide a number of health benefits

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Support healthy weight management
• Help fight childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the belief that more time on academics leads to better results, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can enhance the academic level. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen which are vital for cognitive functioning.

The main benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• An increase in focus on task behavior

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and score higher than students who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students 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 helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

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

Exercise during the school day provides an outlet for the accumulated anger, frustration, or worry, helping to create a more positive school environment.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or other special needs. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, enhance executive function, and better take on academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that each child can thrive.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Have fun with it! Use music, stories or themes to engage students.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is no different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to work on 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 are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create enough time to move in the midst of a busy schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine, either to transition between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even short activities can bring significant advantages.

What happens if the space in which that we have available is not enough?

Certain activities can be done at desks, or in a smaller space. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Broader Impact: The Broader Impact:

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about personal benefits, it's about creating an environment that promotes health, well-being, and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students who are healthier and have lower absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• Higher satisfaction of teachers and lower burnout rates
• More academically successful

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness programs including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, or programs to combat bullying.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be altered to meet the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only simple items like balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating breaks for exercise into each school day could provide a broad range of benefits. Research shows that movement is important for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your students whether you are a teacher or administrator, a parent or a politician.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience. Because when students move they learn, develop, and thrive.