Peer-Led Movement Breaks: Empowering Students

The holistic development of the student is becoming more important in the current rapidly evolving education system. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom is more crucial than ever. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are becoming the standard. 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 behind their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in Schools?

Motion breaks--also called brain breaks, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are short breaks during the school day when students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to help students reenergize and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place or jumping Jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is the positive effect they have on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens engage in 60 minutes of exercise. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation because they are occupied for so many hours in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

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

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and helps you maintain lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the notion that spending more time in school will result in better performance, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can improve academic performance. Physical activity boosts circulation of blood to your brain. This delivers nutrients and oxygen that are essential to brain function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• An increase in on-task behavior

The results of studies have shown that students who are given breaks for movement return to their work with greater concentration and show higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The role of exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

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

Physical activity during school day can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up tension, anger or anxiety, which can help to create a positive classroom environment.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or difficulties with sensory processing, or any other needs. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, improve their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Since movement breaks are adaptable, they can be tailored to fit the needs of various age groups, physical abilities, and learning style. Breaks for movement can be anything from simple chair stretching all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that each child is able to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories or themes to keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks confidently.
• Monitor the progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Movement breaks are just as crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead live activity sessions through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

Research shows that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in classes. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create time for movement in a packed schedule?"

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or during time that require intense concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

"What is the best course to take if space is limited?"

Many activities that require only a little space or are done by standing in front of desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches, 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 individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that is centered around health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Rates of teacher burnout and satisfaction lower
• Higher academic performance

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness initiatives including social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs to combat bullying.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be constant: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break to move around. However, the duration of breaks can be adjusted depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. The movement breaks aren't as a substitute for structured physical education. They are intended to enhance it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient exercises require little or no equipment, like scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical fitness to improving mental well-being and classroom behavior, the research is clear: movement matters. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the success of the next generation.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience. Because when students move they learn, develop and prosper.