The Link Between Movement and Emotional Regulation

The overall growth of the student is becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing education system. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain crucial, but a growing body of research highlights a crucial aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the norm, the need for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day has never been more important. In this guide we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a key element of every school's day-to-day schedule, uncover the science behind their benefits, and provide actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also known as breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are brief periods during the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activity. These breaks can range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more organized exercises, games or mindfulness exercises that require movement. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed curriculum, movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom designed to re-energize students and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• In place running or jumping over jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Guided breathing combined with 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. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the children and teens should engage in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation because they are unable to spend enough time sitting in classrooms.

School-based movement breaks Offer Several Health Benefits

• Improve your the cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and encourages the growth of healthy routines.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

Contrary to the notion that more time on academics can lead to better grades studies show that integrating movement breaks can actually increase the academic level. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

The main academic benefits are:

• Increased focus and attention
• Enhanced memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• An increase in on-task behavior

According to research that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more focused and score higher than those who do not.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that is a concern for many students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many students who are in school. Breaks in the gym play a crucial part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

Exercise during the school day can provide a healthy outlet for pent-up anger, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a more positive school environment.

All learners benefit from movement breaks

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from movement breaks. Students with these conditions benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Movement breaks are easily modified to meet the requirements of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, break breaks are designed to guarantee that every child is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your day

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think running, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Enjoy it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to entice students.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Create guidelines: 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.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine methods.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks they can finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

On the contrary studies show that students who move regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we make time to move when our schedules are so jam-packed?

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine, either to transition between subjects or to recover from an intense focus. Even short activities can bring significant advantages.

"What do we do if our classroom isn't enough?"

Many activities that require only a little space or are done by standing in front of desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even simple hand and arm exercises are effective in small classrooms.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the school culture

It's not just about personal benefits of having movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that promotes health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Academic results that are stronger

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness activities like social-emotional education as well as nutrition education and programs that combat bullying.

Start with these Tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two break breaks per day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be regular: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep the students interested.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to introduce breaks for movement?

The majority of experts recommend a break every 30-60 minutes, but the timing can be adjusted to fit the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Breaks for movement are a complement to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating breaks to move into each school day can provide a vast array of advantages. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom It's clear from the research: movement matters. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or even a policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine is a way to invest in the success of the next generation.

Let's make moving a mandatory part of every student's school experience--because when students move, they learn, grow and prosper.