How Movement Breaks Help Students with ADHD

The holistic development of the child is becoming increasingly important in the rapidly changing education system. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body research highlights an element that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as more screen time are becoming the standard, the demand for a purposeful, organized physical activity during the school day is never more important. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's daily schedule, uncover the science behind the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or Physical Activity breaks, are short periods during the school day where students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. These breaks can include stretching, dancing, more organized games, exercises or mindfulness activities. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to an established curriculum, are often, short interruptions of sedentary class time. They help refocus students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place or jumping jacks
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks for health is one of the most compelling reasons for including them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adolescents and children take part in 60 minutes of daily exercise. However, many students do not meet this requirement due to long hours spent in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools provide a number of health benefits

• Improve your the cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system and encourages good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief that more time on academics will result in better performance studies show that integrating breaks for movement can increase academic performance. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• More focused the amount of time spent on task.

According to studies the students who have movement breaks are more concentrated and have higher scores over those who don't.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

The mental wellbeing of students is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. Movement breaks play a significant role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during the school hours provides an outlet for the accumulated energy, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a positive school environment.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD, sensory processing issues or any other specific needs may benefit from breaks in movement. These students can benefit from physical activity in regulating their energy levels, improving the ability to concentrate and taking part in academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to meet the needs of different types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They guarantee that each child can thrive.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Movement Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in long instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require little equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories or themes to get students involved.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movements.

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 training and resources to lead activity breaks confidently.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Breaks for movement are equally important in virtual learning. Teachers may lead video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks they can finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research shows that students who exercise regularly are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for 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 incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your routine in order to switch between subjects or to recover from intensive concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

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

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

It's not only about the personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about creating a culture in schools that values well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize movement tend to experience:

• Improved overall student health and less absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Other wellness initiatives such as bullying prevention, nutrition education and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning could be linked to breaks for movement.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two break breaks per day and build from there.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes, however, the time interval can be altered to meet the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Is movement appropriate for all children?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient moves require no or little equipment, such as scarves or music, or even balls.

Integrating breaks for movement throughout the school day could provide a broad array of advantages. From boosting academic performance and physical health to supporting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear: movement matters. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or the policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is a way to invest in the success of the next generation.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience. Because when students move they learn, develop and flourish.