Developing Partnerships with PE Teachers

The overall growth of the student is becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the standard. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are movement breaks in Schools?

Motion breaks--also called brain breaks, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions of sedentary class time intended to boost students' energy and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is their positive effects on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and teens should engage in at minimum 60 minutes of physical movement each day. However, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.

Moving breaks in schools provide a number of health benefits

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

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and promotes healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the notion that spending more time studying can lead to better grades, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can increase the academic level. Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

Research has shown that students who receive movement breaks return to tasks more focused and have greater achievement scores when compared with those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is a growing concern, with anxiety, stress, and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is well known.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

Exercise during the school hours provides a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger or anxiety, which can help to create a positive classroom environment.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. They will benefit from exercise by regulating their energy levels, improving their executive functioning and completing academic assignments.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Since movement breaks are easily adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the needs of different ages, physical abilities, and learning methods. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair up to interactive group exercises. They guarantee that every student can succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or themes to keep students engaged.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead breaks with confidence.
• Monitor the progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally important in virtual learning. Teachers can conduct live activity sessions through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will movement breaks waste time in the class?

However studies show that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Breaks for movement are an Investment into learning and not a distraction.

How do we make the time to move if our schedules are jammed?

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine in order to switch between topics or after an intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have isn't enough?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space, or can be performed by standing in front of desks. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple hand and arm movements work well in small classrooms.

The Impact of Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture within schools that promotes health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have more absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness activities, such as social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and anti-bullying programs.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing breaks for movement?

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

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 intended to complement it.

Is movement suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement need no equipment, or just basic items such as scarves, balls, or even music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. Research shows that physical activity is crucial for a variety of reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. It is possible to invest in the future of your students whether you're a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or politician.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience. Because when students move they learn, improve, and thrive.