Using Art and Movement Together

In today's ever-changing educational landscape the spotlight is focused on the holistic development of students. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more important. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are becoming the commonplace. This guide will explore the reasons why breaks for movement are an important part of every school day, the advantages they bring and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks, are short breaks during school hours when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. They can be anything from short periods of dancing or stretching to more structured games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that require moving. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in sedentary class time. They help refocus students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling motives to include movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children engage in 60 minutes of regular physical activity. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation because they are occupied for long hours in school.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system, and also encourages the development of lifelong healthy routines.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the common belief that spending more time in school will result in higher grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts blood flow to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Focus on the task is increased.

According to studies, students who take 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 affecting many school-age children. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

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

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can help to release pent up energy anger, stress or anxiety. This creates positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for students with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. Physical activity can help these students manage their energy levels, boost their executive functioning, and enable them to better perform in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities movement breaks guarantee each student gets the chance to succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your schedule

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require no equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it: Make use of stories, music, or themes to engage students.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families on the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks confidently.
• Follow the progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can facilitate live activity sessions via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the classroom?

On the contrary studies show that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. The movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not a distraction.

"How do we make time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

You can incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine in order to switch between topics or after an intense focus. Even a short activity can provide tangible benefits.

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

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or can be done standing beside desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretches, chair-yoga, or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Impact of The Broader Impact:

It's not only about the personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that promotes well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Improved overall student health and fewer absences
• School spirit and community involvement are enhanced
• More satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• Stronger academic outcomes

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness initiatives, such as social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and programs to combat bullying.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start slow: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes, but the frequency can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only basic items such as balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. The research suggests that movement is important for a myriad of reasons that include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. You can invest in the future of your students whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Include movement as an integral part of the school experience for every student. Learners grow and thrive by moving.