Classroom Furniture That Encourages Movement

The holistic development of the child is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational landscape. Test scores and academic rigor remain crucial however, a growing body of research highlights a crucial factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more important. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time is becoming the commonplace. This guide will explore why movement breaks are an important part of every school day, what benefits they provide and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Movement breaks--also known as breaks for the brain break, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short breaks during the school day where students are required to participate in physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent brief interruptions to sedentary class time. They help refocus students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga poses or stretching
• 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 physical activity breaks for the health of a person is among the strongest reasons for incorporating these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. Many students do not comply with this requirement because they are occupied for long hours in school.

School-based movement breaks Provide a variety of health benefits

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system and promotes healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and academic benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking breaks to move in class can boost the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• More engagement and more participation
• Increased on-task behavior

Studies have found that students who get breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many children of school age. The role of exercise in managing emotions and improving mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and make you feel good
• Social interaction opportunities and teamwork

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

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, enhance executive function, and better participate in academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement are easily modified to accommodate the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. The types of breaks offered vary from simple stretches on the chair up to interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each student can succeed.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require no equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music or themes to get students involved.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their preferred exercise.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Follow the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve methods.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Movement breaks are just as essential during online learning. Teachers can lead live activities on video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the classroom?

Research shows that students who exercise regularly are more focused and productive in class. The movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not an interruption.

How do we find time to move when our schedules are so jam-packed?

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or following times of intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

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

Many activities that require only a little space or can be done by standing in front of desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or even simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Broader Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

It's not just about personal benefits of having movement breaks; it's also about creating a culture in schools that values well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Greater satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are stronger

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness programs including social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and programs that combat bullying.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to start introducing movement breaks?

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

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Is movement suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities do not require any equipment or simple objects like balls, scarves, or even music.

Incorporating breaks to move throughout the school day can provide a vast array of advantages. The research suggests that movement is important for a myriad of reasons which include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine is an investment in the future of our children's success.

Making movement a vital aspect of the school day for all students. Students learn, develop and prosper by moving.