Setting Goals for Physical Activity in Schools

In the current rapidly changing education system the spotlight is shifting to the overall development of students. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increased screen time become the standard, the demand for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day has never been more important. This guide will explain why movement breaks are an essential part of any school day, and the advantages they bring and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What Are 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 where students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. They can be anything from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more structured games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities which require movement. Movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to the class's sedentary time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• In place running or jumping over jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive effects on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. But, many children fall short of this recommendation because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system and promotes good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school leads to better results, research has demonstrated that taking breaks to move during class can improve the academic level of students . Physical activity increases the blood flow to the brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients essential for brain function.

The main benefits for academics include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Increased focus on task

The results of studies have shown that students who get movement breaks return to tasks with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

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. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Social interaction opportunities and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can help to release the tension anger, stress or anxiety. This creates a positive classroom atmosphere.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, boost executive function, and better perform in academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Breaks in the movement are easily modified to accommodate the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities break breaks are designed to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your daily routine

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially during long blocks of instruction.
• Simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require little equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Follow the progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine methods.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Movement breaks are equally crucial. Teachers can conduct video-based activities or provide students with movement-related challenges to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

Contrary to popular belief research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. Movement breaks are an investment into learning and not distracting.

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

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or following times of intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

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

Many activities that require only a little space or are done by standing in front of desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Broader Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about individual benefits; it's about creating the school's culture of wellbeing, health, and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• School spirit and community involvement are enhanced
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness activities including social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs that combat bullying.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and increase it from there.
2. Be regular: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Get 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 start introducing breaks for movement?

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. Movement breaks are a supplement to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized for elementary school children, preschoolers, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements require no equipment or only basic items such as balls, scarves or even music.

Integrating breaks to move into each school day can provide a vast array of advantages. Research shows that movement is important for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or the policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine can be a significant investment in the future of our children's success.

Making movement a vital element of school life for every student. Students learn, develop and thrive by moving.