Building Movement Breaks into IEPs

The holistic development of the student is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving educational landscape. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain crucial however, a growing amount of research reveals a key aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are becoming the commonplace. This guide will explain the reasons why breaks for movement are essential to every school day, what advantages they bring, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also called brain breaks activities breaks, brain breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short periods within the school day when students are required to participate in physical activity. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow an established curriculum, are often brief interruptions to sedentary class time. They can help students refocus their in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in the same
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why movement breaks matter The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks on health is among the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens take part in 60 minutes of regular exercise. But, many children aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools provide a number of health benefits

• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and helps you maintain healthy habits for life.

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 classes can enhance academic performance . Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen which are vital to cognitive function.

The key academic benefits are:

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

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more concentrated and score higher over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that concerns many students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many youngsters who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released and make you feel good
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

Physical activity during school day can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, frustration, or worry, helping to create a more positive school environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders or any other specific needs may benefit from movement breaks. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, enhance executive function, and better perform in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks are easily modified to meet the requirements of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can be anything from simple chair stretching all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They guarantee that each child can thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as running, jumping, or quick games.
• Have fun with it: Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families on the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

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

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

On the contrary research has shown that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not distracting.

"How do we find time for movement in the midst of a busy schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine in order to switch between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide tangible advantages.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

Some exercises can be completed standing next to desks or in a smaller space. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even basic hand and arm exercises work well in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize movement tend to experience:

• Students with better health and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are boosted
• Higher teacher satisfaction and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning can be aligned with the breaks in your exercise.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start slow: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it constant. Include movement in your routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes, but the frequency can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Breaks in movement aren't an alternative to regular physical education. They are meant to enhance it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for all ages?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only basic items such as balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. The research suggests that movement is important for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. It is possible to invest in the future of your children, whether you are a teacher or administrator, a parent or a politician.

Making movement a vital aspect of the school day for all students. Learners develop and prosper when they move.