The History of Movement in School Curriculums

In today's rapidly evolving education system the spotlight is shifting to the overall growth of students. While academic test scores and rigor remain crucial, an increasing amount of body research highlights an element that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity 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 the reason why break time is essential to every school day, the advantages they bring and give practical suggestions for teachers 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 participate in physical activities. They can be anything from a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more formal exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities which require moving. 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' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main 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 teens should engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activities each day. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

Movement breaks in schools can provide a variety of health benefits:

• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

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

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the belief that spending more time studying leads to better results studies show that integrating breaks in movement can increase academic performance. Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased focus on task

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

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. Movement breaks play a significant part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Teamwork and social interaction

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

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. Students with these conditions can benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, enhancing the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks are easily modified to meet the requirements of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities break breaks are designed to ensure each student has the opportunity to succeed.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as running, jumping, or quick games.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories or themes to entice students.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits 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 lead activities with confidence.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve methods.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can facilitate live sessions of activity through video calls, or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Contrary to popular belief, research shows that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. The movement breaks are an Investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create the time to move during a packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into transitions between subjects or during times that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

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

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or can be done by standing in front of desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand exercises can be beneficial.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on School Culture

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about establishing a culture in schools that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Students with healthier health and lower absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• Higher satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are more impressive

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness activities like social-emotional education, nutrition education, and programs that combat bullying.

Tips to Get Started

1. Begin slow: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Solicit feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break to move around. But, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't as a substitute for structured exercise. They are meant to supplement it.

Is it appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities do not require any equipment or simple items like balls, scarves or music.

Integrating breaks for movement into each school day can have a wide variety of benefits. The research suggests that physical activity is crucial for a variety of reasons that include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks can be a significant investment in the success of the next generation.

Make movement an essential part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, grow and flourish by moving.