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Balancing Academic Rigor with Student Well-being

Published en
4 min read

The holistic growth of the student is increasingly crucial in the current rapidly evolving educational landscape. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as more screen time are becoming the commonplace, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity throughout the school day is never more urgent. This guide will explore the reason why break time is an essential part of any school day, what benefits they offer and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in Schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks are brief periods of time during the school day where students are encouraged to participate with physical activity. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education, which follow a curriculum, are frequent, short interruptions of the class's sedentary time. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

  • In place running or jumping over jacks
  • Yoga or stretching exercises
  • Quick dance routines
  • Brain gym activities
  • Games that require group participation.
  • Light movement

Why movement breaks matter The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is the positive effect they have on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of exercise. But, many children do not meet this requirement because of the long hours they spend in the classroom.

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

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

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and helps you maintain good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the widely held belief that a longer time at school leads to better results, research has demonstrated that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts blood flow to your brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients that are vital for brain function.

Key academic benefits include:

  • Focus and attention can be improved
  • Memory retention is increased
  • Better problem-solving skills
  • Higher engagement and participation
  • An increase in focus on task behavior

Research has shown that students who receive breaks for movement return to their work more focused and have greater achievement scores when compared with those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that concerns many students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many children who are in school. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is well known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

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

The physical activity you do during the day can help to let go of any tension and stress. This can create a positive classroom atmosphere.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and problems with sensory processing or any other needs. They benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, improving executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. The types of breaks offered be anything from simple chair stretching up to interactive group exercises. They make sure that every student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

  • Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially in long blocks of instruction.
  • Simple: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as jumping, stretching, or quick games.
  • Enjoy it: Use music, stories or themes to entice students.
  • Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

  • Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of movement breaks.
  • Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require these breaks.
  • Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead breaks with confidence.
  • Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Breaks for movement are equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

Research shows that students who move regularly are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule in order to switch between topics or after intense concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable benefits.

"What is the best course to take if space isn't enough?"

Many activities that require only a little space or are done by standing in front of desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even simple arm and hand movements are effective in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not just about the personal benefits of having movement breaks into your school day; it's about creating a culture in schools that values health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

  • Students who are healthier and have lower absences
  • A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
  • Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower rates of burnout
  • Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying social-emotional education, social-emotional-learning can be aligned with breaks for movement.

Tips to Get Started

  1. Start slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
  2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
  3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
  4. Get feedback from teachers and students: Request input 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 institute breaks for movement?

Experts recommend that schools should take a 30 minute break to walk around. But, the duration of breaks is adjustable depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement do not require any equipment or simple objects like balls, scarves, or music.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is a simple approach that has proven benefits. The research suggests that movement is important for many reasons which include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing movement breaks can be a significant investment in the future of our children's success.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of each student's school experience. Why? Because when kids move, they learn, grow and flourish.