Building Movement Breaks into IEPs

In today's ever-changing education system the spotlight is shifting to the overall development of students. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research reveals an aspect that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increased screen time become the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day has never been greater. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule, uncover the science behind their advantages, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in Schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more organized games, exercises or mindfulness exercises. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are short, frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to re-energize students 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 combined with light movement

Why Movement Breaks Matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily movement breaks for the health of a person is among the main reasons to incorporate these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and teens should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activities each day. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation because they spend so many hours in class.

Moving breaks in schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Support healthy weight management
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system, and also encourages the creation of long-term healthy habits.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

In contrast to the popular belief that more time spent in school results in better scores, research has proven that taking a break in class can boost academic performance . Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more focused and have higher scores over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression are a major concern for students of school age. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is well known.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to make you feel good
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the school day provides an opportunity to release any excess energy, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

The benefits of movement breaks are especially beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and problems with sensory processing or any other needs. Physical activity can help these students manage their energy levels, boost executive function, and help them better perform in academic activities.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Since movement breaks can be easily adapted and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the requirements of various age groups and physical abilities as well as learning style. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair up to interactive group exercises. They ensure that every student can thrive.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require little equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it: Use music, stories, or themes to engage students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking a break to move.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Breaks for movement are equally essential during online learning. Teachers can conduct live activity sessions via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

Contrary to popular belief studies show that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not a distraction.

"How do we find enough time to move in a packed schedule?"

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine for transitions between topics or after intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide significant advantages.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or can be done sitting at desks. 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

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about personal benefits, it's about fostering an environment that promotes wellbeing, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that prioritize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying social-emotional education, social-emotional learning can be incorporated into breaks for movement.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and increase it from there.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: 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?

Experts recommend that schools have a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the frequency of breaks can be altered according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movements suitable for all ages of children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements require no equipment or only simple objects like scarves, balls, or music.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of advantages. From boosting academic performance and physical fitness to improving mental well-being and classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is crucial. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the success of the next generation.

Making movement a vital aspect of the school day for all students. Learners grow and prosper when they move.