The Role of Principals in Promoting Active Classrooms

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape the spotlight is shifting to the overall growth of students. Test scores and academic rigor are important however, a growing amount of research reveals a key factor that is often left unnoticed: movement breaks in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and more screen time are becoming the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activities during the school day has never been more important. This guide will explore the reasons why breaks for movement are an essential part of any school day, the advantages they bring and provide practical tips for administrators and teachers.

What are the Movement Breaks in 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. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized exercises, games, or even mindfulness activities that involve movement. In contrast to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are short, frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to re-energize students and refresh their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of movement breaks for health is one of the most compelling reasons for including them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise activities each day. A majority of students fail to comply with this requirement due to the fact that they spend too many hours in the classroom.

School-based movement breaks provide a number of health benefits

• Enhance the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Fighting childhood obesity

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

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics will result in better performance, research shows that integrating breaks in movement can increase academic performance. Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive function.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• More focused on-task behavior

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

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression affect many youngsters of school age. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional benefits include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and collaboration

The physical activity you do during the day can assist to release the tension anger, stress or anxiety. This will create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. They benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, increasing the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks are easily modified to accommodate the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to ensure every student gets the chance to thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your day

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Fun: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep students entertained.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools, or even mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally important in virtual learning. Teachers can lead live activities through video calls, or give movement-related challenges to students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the classroom?

On the contrary, research shows that students who move regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we make the time to move during the midst of a busy schedule?"

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into interludes between subjects, or during periods that require intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide noticeable advantages.

"What is the best course to take if space is limited?"

Some exercises can be completed at desks, or in a smaller space. In small classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or even simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about individual benefits; it's about building an environment that promotes wellbeing, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that focus on movement tend to experience:

• Students who are healthier and have less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are boosted
• More teacher satisfaction and lower burnout rates
• 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.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and build from there.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Solicit feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts suggest schools take a 30-minute break for movement. However, the duration of breaks can be altered depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. The movement breaks aren't an alternative to regular exercise. They are intended to complement it.

Is it appropriate for all ages of children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities need no equipment, or just simple items like balls, scarves or even music.

Incorporating movements into your school day is an easy 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 and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. You can make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you're a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a policymaker.

Include movement as an integral aspect of the school day for all students. Students learn, grow and flourish when they move.