Using Movement to Support Executive Function

The overall development of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. While academic rigor and scores on tests are still important, increasing body research highlights an element which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more vital. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are now the standard. This guide will explain the reasons why breaks for movement are essential to every school day, the benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks, are brief periods of time during the school day where students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more structured games or exercises, or mindfulness activities. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to the same curriculum, are frequently brief interruptions to classes that are sedentary. They help refocus students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in the same
• 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

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children engage in 60 minutes of physical activity. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

Movement breaks in schools offer several health advantages:

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

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

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school results in better scores, research has proven that taking a break during class can improve academic performance . Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

The key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• A greater focus on the task

Research has shown that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental health of children is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. The role of exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is widely known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to make you feel good
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

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

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for students with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, improving the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic activities.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to meet the needs of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks ensure that every child has the opportunity to excel.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories, or themes to keep students entertained.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to lead activities with confidence.
• Monitor the progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve methods.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Movement breaks are just as important. Teachers can conduct video-based activities or assign students tasks they can complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

However research has shown that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine, either to transition between different topics or following intensive concentration. Even a short activity can provide noticeable advantages.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Some activities can be performed at desks, or in a tiny space. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even simple hand and arm movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about personal benefits, it's about creating the school's culture of well-being, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Higher satisfaction of teachers and lower burnout rates
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning can be aligned with the breaks in your exercise.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Begin slow: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Keep it regular. 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 accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to introduce breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break for movement. But, the frequency of breaks is adjustable depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Breaks in movement aren't as a substitute for structured physical education. They are meant to complement it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most effective moves require no or little equipment, like scarves or music, or even balls.

Incorporating breaks for movement throughout the school day can provide a vast variety of benefits. The research shows that movement is important for many reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. If you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine can be a significant investment in the next generation's success.

Make movement an essential element of school life for all students. Students learn, grow and flourish when they move.