Case Study: Movement Breaks in Urban Schools

The overall growth of the student is increasingly crucial in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic rigor and scores on tests are still important, increasing body research highlights an element that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the standard. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule, uncover the science that explains the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also called 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 activity. They can be anything from short periods of stretching or dancing to more structured exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities that involve moving. Unlike physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of movement breaks for health is one of the main reasons to incorporate them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise activity daily. Many students do not comply with this requirement because they are occupied for long hours in school.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health advantages:

• Enhance fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and encourages good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the notion that spending more time in school can lead to better grades studies show that integrating breaks in movement can improve the academic level. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients which are vital to cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• A greater focus on the task

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

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and teamwork

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can help to release the tension and stress. This will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, enhance executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Since movement breaks are easily adaptable they can be tailored to meet the needs of various age groups physical capabilities, as well as learning styles. From simple chair stretches to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks guarantee that every child is able to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers can either facilitate video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

Studies show that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

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

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or during time that require intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

What happens if the space in which we have is limited?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space, or can be performed sitting at desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretches, chair-yoga, or even simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the school culture

It's not just about personal benefits of having movement breaks; it's also about creating a culture in schools that values wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Improved overall student health and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are enhanced
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• More academically successful

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness programs like social-emotional education, nutrition education, and programs that combat bullying.

Tips to Get Started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be creative: 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)

What is the best time to implement breaks for movement?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. The movement breaks aren't an alternative to structured exercise. They are meant to complement it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient moves require little or no equipment, like scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is a simple, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching advantages. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research that movement is important. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve and flourish.