Building Movement Breaks into IEPs

The overall development of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing education system. Test scores and academic rigor are important, but a growing body of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time is becoming the commonplace. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a cornerstone of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis behind their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks Also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks, are short periods during school hours when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. They can be anything from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more structured games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities which require movement. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed schedule, these breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to re-energize students and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why it is important to break the movement of a person: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of exercise breaks on the health of a person is among the most compelling reasons for including them into your 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. But, many children fall short of this recommendation because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

Movement Breaks in Schools Provide a variety of health benefits

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to popular belief that spending more time in school will result in better performance Research has shown that incorporating movement breaks can actually improve academic performance. Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

The key benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• Increased the amount of time spent on task.

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more concentrated and have higher scores over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many youngsters of school age. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is widely known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the school day provides a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, frustration or anxiety, assisting to create a more positive school environment.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from a break in their movement. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, improve executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to meet the requirements of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. The types of breaks offered range from simple chair stretches up to interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, stories, or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their preferred movements.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Movement breaks are equally crucial. Teachers can conduct video-based activities or provide students with movement-related tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

However research has shown that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive, and more productive during lessons. Breaks for movement are an Investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we find time to move when our schedule is so packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into the transition between subjects or following time of intense focus. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed sitting at desks. In small classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or simple arm and hand movements can be effective.

The Greater Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that promotes health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students with better health and lower absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
• More academically successful

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

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

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. Breaks in movement aren't as a substitute for regular physical education. They are intended to supplement it.

Is it suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements require no equipment or only basic items such as balls, scarves or even music.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is an easy, evidence-based strategy with far-reaching advantages. The research suggests that physical activity is crucial for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. It is possible to invest in the future of your students whether you are an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a politician.

Make movement an essential aspect of the school day for all students. Students learn, grow and prosper when they move.