Using Movement to Support Executive Function

In today's ever-changing educational environment The spotlight is now shifting to the overall growth of students. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body research highlights an element which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the standard, the demand for purposeful, structured physical activity throughout the school day has never been more urgent. This guide will discuss the reason why break time is an essential part of any school day, the benefits they offer and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activity. They can be anything from just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises that involve movements. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education that adhere to a curriculum, are frequent, short interruptions of 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
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks for health is one of the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children get 60 minutes of daily physical activity. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation because they spend long hours in school.

Moving breaks in schools provide a number of health benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and promotes good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that spending more time in school leads to better grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance academic performance . Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

The main benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Increased focus on task

The results of studies have shown that students who get breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is a growing concern, with anxiety, stress, and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the day can assist to release the tension anger, stress or anxiety. This can create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), problems with sensory processing or other special needs. Physical activity can help these students regulate their energy levels, enhance executive function, and better perform in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks are easily modified to meet the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches through interactive group exercises. They ensure that each student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your schedule

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve methods.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. The breaks for movement are just as important. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or assign students challenges to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research has shown that students who move regularly are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create the time to move during an already packed schedule?"

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or after time that require intense concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

"What do we do if our classroom isn't enough?"

Many movement activities require little space or can be done sitting at desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or simple arm and hand moves can be very effective.

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture in schools that promotes wellbeing, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students with healthier health and lower absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

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

Start with these Tips

1. Start slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be regular: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes, but the frequency can be altered to meet each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. The movement breaks aren't an alternative to regular physical education. They are intended to complement it.

Is movement appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating breaks for exercise into each school day can provide a vast range of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research that movement is crucial. It is possible to invest in the future of your students, whether you are a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or politician.

Let's make moving a mandatory part of every student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve, and thrive.