Incorporating Mind-Body Activities in School Routines

In today's ever-changing educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the holistic growth of students. Academic rigor and test scores remain important however, a growing body of research reveals a key aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more important. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the standard. This guide will discuss the reasons why breaks for movement are an essential part of any school day, what benefits they offer and provide practical tips for administrators and teachers.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also known as breaks for the brain break, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short breaks during the school day when students are required to participate in physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set curriculum, movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to re-energize students and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• In place running or jumping over jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular physical activity breaks for health is among the main reasons to incorporate these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens take part in 60 minutes of regular physical activity. However, many students aren't meeting this standard because of the long hours they spend in class.

Movement breaks in schools offer several health advantages:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and promotes healthy habits for life.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the belief that more time on academics will result in better performance Research has shown that incorporating breaks in movement can enhance academic performance. Physical activity boosts circulation of blood to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive function.

The key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Increased the amount of time spent on task.

Studies have found that students who are given breaks for movement return to their work with greater focus and demonstrate greater achievement scores when compared with students who do not have such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is an issue that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many students of school age. Movement breaks play a significant role in supporting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during school day can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and difficulties with sensory processing, or with other disabilities. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, enhancing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, movement breaks make sure that that every child has the opportunity to excel.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think jumping, stretching, or quick games.
• Enjoy it! Use music, stories, or themes to engage students.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can facilitate live activities via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

Studies show that students who exercise regularly are more focused and productive in classes. Movement breaks are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

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

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine in order to switch between topics or after an intense focus. Even brief activity provides noticeable advantages.

"What if our classroom space is limited?"

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

The impact of movement breaks on the School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks into your school day; it's about creating a culture in schools that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are boosted
• More satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning could be linked to breaks for movement.

Tips to get started

1. Start slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break for movement. But, the duration of breaks is adjustable 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 regular exercise. They are designed to complement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement require no equipment or only simple items like balls, scarves, or music.

Integrating breaks for movement into each school day could provide a broad variety of benefits. The research suggests that exercise is essential for many reasons that include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behaviour. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or even a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the success of the next generation.

Let's make it a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience--because when students move, they learn, grow and flourish.