Developing Partnerships with PE Teachers

The overall development of the student is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving education system. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain important however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are now the standard. This guide will discuss the reasons why breaks for movement are an important part of every school day, and the benefits they provide and provide practical tips for administrators and teachers.

What Are Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks are short breaks during school hours when students are encouraged engage with physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises. Unlike physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in the same
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why it is important to break the movement of a person: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents should participate in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activities each day. A majority of students fail to adhere to this advice due to the fact that they spend long hours in school.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve your the cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Fighting childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief that spending more time studying leads to better results Research has shown that incorporating breaks for movement can improve academic performance. Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are crucial to cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• More focused the amount of time spent on task.

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more concentrated and have higher scores than those who do not.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental health of students is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety, and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The movement breaks play an important role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and collaboration

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to let go of any tension and stress. This creates positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from a break in their movement. Students with these conditions will benefit from exercise in regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Because they are easily adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the requirements of various age groups, physical abilities, and learning styles. Breaks for movement can vary from simple stretches on the chair through interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student can succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead breaks with confidence.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Breaks for movement are equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can conduct live activity sessions via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

Research shows that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in class. Movement breaks are an investment into learning and not distracting.

"How do we make the time to move during an already packed schedule?"

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or following times that require intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide noticeable benefits.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed by standing in front of desks. In small classrooms, sitting yoga, stretches in a chair, or even simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Impact of Movement Breaks and School Culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about the individual benefit; it's about fostering a school culture that values wellbeing, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• More academically successful

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

Start with these Tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and build from there.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
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)

What is the best time to start introducing movement breaks?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, but the timing can be adjusted to suit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for structured physical education. They are intended to enhance it.

Is movement appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient moves require little or no equipment, including scarves or music, or even balls.

Incorporating breaks for exercise into the daily school routine can provide a vast variety of benefits. The research suggests that physical activity is crucial for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. If you're a teacher administrator, parent, or the policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is an investment in the future of our children's success.

Making movement a vital element of school life for all students. Students learn, grow and thrive by moving.