Parent Involvement: Encouraging Movement at Home

In today's ever-changing education system, the spotlight is increasingly turning to the holistic student's development. The quality of their education and the scores they score are important, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activity throughout the school day has never been greater. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis behind their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks, are short breaks in the school day when students are encouraged engage in physical activities. The breaks may range from short periods of dancing or stretching, to more formal exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that involve movements. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to a curriculum, are frequent, short interruptions of the class's sedentary time. They aid in refocusing students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Light movement

Why movement breaks matter The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular exercise breaks for health is one of the most compelling reasons for including them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and teens should engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical activity daily. But, many children do not meet this requirement due to long hours spent in the classroom.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health advantages:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Support healthy weight management
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system, and also encourages the creation of long-term healthy lifestyles.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the notion that more time on academics can lead to better grades studies show that integrating breaks for movement can increase the academic level. Physical activity increases the blood flow to the brain. This helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that are essential to brain function.

The key academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• An increase in focus on task behavior

Studies have found that students who get movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to students who do not have such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for students of school age. Movement breaks play a significant role in supporting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

Physical activity during school hours provides a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, frustration, or worry, helping to create a positive classroom environment.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial to students suffering from Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or with other disabilities. These students benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, improving the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic activities.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Because they are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the requirements of different ages physical capabilities, as well as learning styles. From simple chair stretching to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks ensure every student gets the chance to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require no equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it: Make use of stories, music or themes to engage students.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can either conduct video-based activities or assign students tasks to complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

Studies show that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in classes. The movement breaks are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

"How can we create enough time to move in an already packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or after periods of intense focus. Even short activities can bring noticeable benefits.

"What is the best course to take if space isn't enough?"

Some activities can be performed at desks, or in a smaller space. In smaller classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or even simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about fostering a school culture that values health, well-being, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that prioritize exercise are likely to have:

• Students with better health and more absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• Higher satisfaction with the teacher and lower burnout rates
• Academic results that are more impressive

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

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and build from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Get feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not an alternative to regular physical education. They are designed to complement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just simple items like balls, scarves, or even music.

Incorporating movement breaks into every school day is an easy approach that has proven advantages. The research suggests that movement is important for many reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or even a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is a way to invest in the success of the next generation.

Make movement an essential element of school life for all students. Learners develop and prosper when they move.