How Short Activity Bursts Improve Classroom Behavior

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic student's development. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are now the commonplace. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis of their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks are short periods in the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. They can be anything from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more structured exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities which require movements. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set curriculum, movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to help students reenergize and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest 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 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. A majority of students fail to comply with this requirement due to the fact that they spend long hours in school.

Moving breaks in schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Enhance the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Support healthy weight management
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system and helps in the growth of healthy lifestyles.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to popular belief that spending more time in school can lead to better grades studies show that integrating breaks for movement can improve academic performance. Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

The key benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• Increased focus on task

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more focused and score higher than students who don't.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental health of children is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety, and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

The benefits for emotional well-being include:

• A reduction in stress and anxiety.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and make you feel good
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the day can help to release pent up energy and stress. This will create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from breaks in movement. They benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, increasing the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic assignments.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Since movement breaks are easily adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the needs of different age groups, physical abilities, and learning style. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities movement breaks ensure each student gets the chance to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct breaks with confidence.
• Follow the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine techniques.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers can lead live activity sessions on video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

Studies show that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in classes. Movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not distracting.

How do we make the time needed to move, when our schedules are jammed?

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine for transitions between subjects or to recover from intensive concentration. Even brief activity provides tangible advantages.

"What if our classroom space is limited?"

Certain activities can be done at desks, or in a smaller space. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple hand and arm exercises are effective in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture in schools that promotes wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• More academically successful

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education social-emotional education, social-emotional learning can be incorporated into movement breaks.

Tips to get started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Get feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools should take a 30 minute break to move around. However, the frequency of breaks is adjustable depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not a substitute for structured exercise. They are designed to supplement it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for all ages?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective moves require little or no equipment, such as scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research that movement is important. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you are an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Make movement an essential part of the school experience for every student. Learners develop and thrive when they move.