Fostering Empathy and Inclusion Through Movement

The overall growth of the student is becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing education system. While academic rigor and scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as increasing screen time becomes the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activity throughout the school day has never been greater. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a key element of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis of the benefits of these breaks, and present concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks are brief periods of time in the school day when students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. They can be anything from short periods of stretching or dancing to more formal exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that involve movements. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of physical activity breaks for the health of a person is among the strongest reasons for incorporating them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children get 60 minutes of exercise. However, many students do not meet this requirement because of the long hours they spend in the classroom.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

In contrast to the popular belief that spending more time in school will result in higher grades, research has shown that taking a break during class can improve the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This provides nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive functioning.

Key academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• More focused on-task behavior

According to studies, students who take movement breaks are more concentrated and score higher than students who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of youngsters of school age. Movement breaks play a significant role in helping to regulate emotions and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

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

Physical activity during the school day can provide an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger or anxiety, assisting to create a more positive school environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD, sensory processing issues or other special needs can benefit from breaks in movement. They can benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, increasing their executive functioning and completing academic activities.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities, breaks in the form of movement guarantee every student gets the chance to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important in long blocks of instruction.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think running, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Enjoy it: Use music, stories, or themes to entice students.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students challenges to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Contrary to popular belief studies show that students who move regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not distracting.

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

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into transitions between subjects or during time that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

"What if our classroom space is limited?"

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

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the school culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about personal benefits, it's about fostering the school's culture of wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have lower absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

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

Get Started with These Tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to introduce movement breaks?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval 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. Breaks in movement aren't an alternative to regular exercise. They are meant to supplement it.

Are movements appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most effective moves require minimal or no equipment, like scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating breaks for exercise into each school day can have a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior It's clear from the research: movement matters. You can make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you're an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a politician.

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