Parent Involvement: Encouraging Movement at Home

The holistic growth of the student is becoming more important in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized, purposeful physical activity in the classroom is more crucial than ever. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the norm. This guide will explain why movement breaks are an important part of every school day, and the benefits they provide and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods of time during school hours when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. They can be anything from just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more structured exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities that involve moving. 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 refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why movement breaks matter 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 movement each day. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation due to the fact that they spend so many hours in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics leads to better results Research has shown that incorporating movement breaks can actually improve academic performance. Physical activity increases the flow of blood to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are crucial for the functioning of the brain.

The key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• More focused focus on task behavior

Research has shown that students who are given breaks for movement return to their work with greater concentration and show greater achievement scores when compared with those who don't get such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental wellbeing of students is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The importance of regular exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

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

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), difficulties with sensory processing, or other special needs. These students will benefit from exercise to regulate their energy levels, improving executive function and participating in academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. The types of breaks offered be anything from simple chair stretching up to interactive group exercises. They guarantee that every student can succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your day

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are easy to do and require little equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking movement breaks.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as essential during online learning. Teachers can either facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related challenges to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the classroom?

However studies show that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not distracting.

"How do we make enough time to move in an already packed schedule?"

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine, either to transition between different topics or following an intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

What happens if the space in which that we have available is not enough?

Some exercises can be completed standing next to desks or in a tiny space. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand movements can be effective.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture in schools that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize exercise are likely to have:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Higher academic performance

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

Tips to Get Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and increase it from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break to walk around. But, the duration of breaks is adjustable in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Breaks in movement aren't as a substitute for regular physical education. They are intended to complement it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just basic items such as balls, scarves, or even music.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is a simple, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom The research proves that movement is crucial. You can invest in the future of your students whether you're a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or politician.

Make movement an essential part of the school experience for all students. Learners develop and prosper by moving.