Using Movement to Support Executive Function

In today's ever-changing educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the overall student's development. While academic rigor and scores on tests are still important, increasing body research highlights an element that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day is never more important. In this guide we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science that explains their advantages, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks at schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks can include stretching, dancing, more structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. Breaks for movement, in contrast to physical education classes that follow a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in the class's sedentary time. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive effects on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of exercise. A majority of students fail to comply with this requirement because they are occupied for too many hours in the classroom.

Movement breaks in schools can provide a variety of health advantages:

• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

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

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the notion that more time on academics leads to better results Research has shown that incorporating movement breaks can actually increase academic performance. Physical activity increases the blood flow to the brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive function.

The key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• Increased focus on task

Research has shown that students who are given movement breaks return to tasks with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than those without such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is an issue that is a concern for many students. Anxiety, stress and depression are a major concern for children who are in school. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and promoting mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the school day provides an outlet for the accumulated tension, anger, or worry, helping to create a positive classroom environment.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or other special needs. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, improve executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks make sure that that every child has the opportunity to excel.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Have fun with it! Use music, stories, or themes to get students involved.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Track progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally important in virtual learning. Teachers can facilitate video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in classes. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we find time for movement in a packed schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine in order to switch 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 sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple hand and arm movements can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The impact of movement breaks on the school culture

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 health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• More academically successful

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities including social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and anti-bullying programs.

Tips to Get Started

1. Begin slow: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement movement breaks?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for structured exercise. They are intended to enhance it.

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities need no equipment, or just simple items like balls, scarves or music.

Integrating breaks to move throughout the school day can have a wide array of advantages. From improving academic performance and physical fitness to improving wellbeing and behavior in the classroom The research proves: movement matters. No matter if you're a teacher administrator or parent, or even a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the next generation's success.

Make movement an essential part of the school experience for every student. Learners develop and flourish by moving.