Improving Attendance with Movement-Focused Interventions

In today's ever-changing educational landscape the spotlight is shifting to the overall growth of students. Test scores and academic rigor remain crucial however, a growing amount of research highlights a crucial aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more important. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are now the commonplace. This guide will explore the reason why break time is an important part of every school day, and the benefits they provide, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are 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 motivated to engage in physical activity. These breaks can range from a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more structured exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities that involve movements. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education, which follow the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in classes that are sedentary. They can help students refocus their' minds and reenergize them.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running in place
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks for health is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise activity daily. A majority of students fail to meet this recommendation because they spend long hours in school.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Enhance fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system and encourages healthy habits for life.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the widely held belief that spending more time in school results in better scores, research has proven that taking a break in class can boost the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for the functioning of the brain.

The most important academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• A greater focus on the task

The results of studies have shown that students who are given breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show better achievement scores than those without such breaks.

3. Well-being in the Mental and Emotional sphere

Mental health is a matter that concerns many students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for students of school age. The importance of regular exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and give you a feeling of happiness
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

Physical activity during the day can assist to release the tension and stress. This creates positive atmosphere in the classroom.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. They can benefit from physical activity to regulate their energy levels, improving executive function and participating in academic activities.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to meet the needs of different age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks guarantee each student has the opportunity to succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during long instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their preferred movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead breaks with confidence.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

Breaks for movement are equally essential during online learning. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

Contrary to popular belief research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Movement breaks are an investment in learning, not distracting.

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

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine in order to switch between subjects or to recover from intense concentration. Even a short amount of activity can have noticeable advantages.

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

Some exercises can be completed standing next to desks or in a small space. In small classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm exercises can be beneficial.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the school culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about the individual benefit; it's about building an environment that promotes health, well-being, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students with healthier health and more absences
• School spirit and community involvement are boosted
• Greater satisfaction of teachers and lower burnout rates
• Higher academic performance

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness programs including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and anti-bullying programs.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start small: 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. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Receive feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate success: Recognize classrooms and students who participate with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to implement movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break for movement. But, the duration of breaks can be altered according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. The movement breaks aren't a substitute for organized exercise. They are designed to complement it.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Integrating breaks for exercise into the daily school routine can have a wide variety of benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting mental well-being and classroom behavior The research proves: movement matters. It is possible to invest in the future of your students whether you're a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or policymaker.

Make movement an essential part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, develop and prosper by moving.