Supporting Students with Physical Disabilities

The overall development of the student is becoming more important in the rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are now the standard. This guide will discuss why movement breaks are essential to every school day, what advantages they bring and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks are brief periods of time during school hours when students are encouraged to engage in physical activities. The breaks may range from just a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more formal games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities that require movements. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set schedule, these breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to re-energize students and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate movement breaks is their positive effects on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of daily exercise. A lot of students don't comply with this requirement because they spend too many hours in the classroom.

Movement breaks in schools offer several health benefits:

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

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and helps you maintain healthy habits for life.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the notion that more time on academics leads to better results Research has shown that incorporating breaks for movement can enhance academic performance. Physical activity boosts circulation of blood to your brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Improved attention and focus
• Memory retention is increased
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• More focused the amount of time spent on task.

According to research that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and have higher scores over those who don't.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many youngsters who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Endorphins release to make you feel good
• Teamwork and social interaction

Exercise during the school hours provides a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, frustration, or worry, helping to create a more positive school environment.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from breaks in movement. Physical activity can help students regulate their energy levels, improve their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Movement breaks can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. Breaks for movement can range from simple chair stretches up to interactive group exercises. They ensure that each child can succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your schedule

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping, or quick games.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn remotely or through hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. Breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can conduct live sessions of activity through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research has shown that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in class. Breaks for movement are an Investment into learning and not distracting.

How do we make time to move when our schedules are jammed?

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into interludes between subjects, or during periods of intense focus. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even simple arm and hand movements can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Greater Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about personal benefits, it's about fostering a school culture that values well-being, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that focus on the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower burnout rates
• Higher academic performance

Other wellness initiatives such as nutrition education, anti-bullying, social-emotional training, and social-emotional-learning could be linked to the breaks in your exercise.

Start with these Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to implement movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools have a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the duration of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

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

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most effective movements require little or no equipment, like scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each school day is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear: movement matters. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the future of our children's success.

Make movement an essential aspect of the school day for all students. Learners grow and flourish by moving.