Movement Breaks in Special Education: Adaptations and Benefits

The holistic growth of the student is becoming increasingly important in the current rapidly evolving educational landscape. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more important. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time are now the norm. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science of their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks, are short breaks during the school day where students are encouraged engage with physical activity. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more structured games, exercises, or even mindfulness activities that require movement. Breaks for movement, in contrast to physical education classes that follow the same curriculum, are frequently, short interruptions of sedentary class time. They aid in refocusing students to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily exercise breaks on the health of a person is among the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and teens should engage in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

Movement breaks in schools can provide a variety of health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the notion that spending more time studying can lead to better grades Research has shown that incorporating breaks for movement can enhance the academic level. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for the functioning of the brain.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• A greater focus on the task

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

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is an increasing concern with stress, anxiety and depression being a major issue for school-aged children. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is widely known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins are released and create a positive feeling
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the school day provides a healthy outlet for pent-up anger, frustration, or worry, helping to create a comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD, sensory processing issues or any other specific needs may benefit from a break in their movement. Students with these conditions can benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because movement breaks can be easily adapted they can be tailored to meet the needs of various age groups, physical abilities, and learning methods. The types of breaks offered be anything from simple chair stretching up to interactive group exercises. They guarantee that every student can succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think running, jumping, or quick games.
• Have fun with it! Use music, stories or themes to entice students.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can lead live activities on video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

On the contrary research has shown that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. The breaks during movement are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How can we fit in the time to move if our schedules are jammed?

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule for transitions between different topics or following intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

"What if our classroom space isn't enough?"

Certain activities can be done at desks, or in a smaller space. Seated stretches, chair yoga or even basic hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Effects 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 well-being, health, and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to experience:

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

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

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and increase it from there.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools institute breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools have a 30-minute break to move around. But, the frequency of breaks can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Integrating breaks for movement into each school day can have a wide array of advantages. From improving academic performance and physical fitness to improving mental well-being and classroom behavior It's clear from the research that movement is important. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement can be a significant investment in the future of our children's success.

Include movement as an integral element of school life for all students. Learners grow and flourish when they move.