Movement Breaks in Special Education: Adaptations and Benefits

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape The spotlight is now shifting to the overall student's development. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain important, but a growing body of research reveals a key aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more important. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time is becoming the norm. This guide will discuss why movement breaks are an important part of every school day, and the advantages they bring and provide practical tips for administrators and teachers.

What Are Movement Breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or Physical Activity breaks are short breaks during school hours when students are encouraged to engage with physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, or other structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. The movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in the class's sedentary time. They aid in refocusing students' minds and reenergize them.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Yoga Poses or Stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why movement breaks matter The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular exercise breaks on health is one of the main reasons to incorporate these breaks into your daily routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens engage in 60 minutes of regular exercise. A lot of students don't comply with this requirement due to the fact that they spend long hours in school.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health advantages:

• Enhance fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Help with weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and helps in the development of lifelong healthy lifestyles.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school results in better grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks during class can improve academic performance . Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers oxygen and nutrients that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

Key academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• A greater focus on the task

Research has shown that students who are given breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age children. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and make you feel good
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

Exercise during the school day provides an outlet for the accumulated energy, frustration, or worry, helping to create a more positive classroom environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD, sensory processing issues or any other specific needs may benefit from breaks in movement. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, enhance executive function, and better take on academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Because they are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the needs of different ages and physical abilities as well as learning styles. Breaks for movement can be anything from simple chair stretching all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that each student can thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred exercise.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Movement breaks are just as important. Teachers can facilitate video-based activity sessions or provide students with movement-related tasks they can do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

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

"How do we find time for movement in an already packed schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into the transition between subjects or after time of intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable benefits.

What happens if the space in which we have is limited?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or are done standing beside desks. Seated stretches, chair yoga or even basic arm and hand movements work well in small classrooms.

The impact of movement breaks on School Culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks into your school day; it's about creating a culture in schools that promotes well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to experience:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are boosted
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• More academically successful

Other wellness programs, such as nutrition education, anti-bullying social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning can be aligned with the breaks in your exercise.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Be constant: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Solicit Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools take a 30-minute break for movement. But, the frequency of breaks can be altered in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Breaks in movement aren't a substitute for organized exercise. They are meant to complement it.

Is movement appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements do not require any equipment or simple objects like balls, scarves, or even music.

Incorporating movement breaks into every school day is a simple method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. The research shows that movement is important for a myriad of reasons that include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. You can make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you are an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a policymaker.

Making movement a vital element of school life for every student. Learners grow and prosper when they move.