Improving Attendance with Movement-Focused Interventions

The overall development of the child is becoming more important in today's rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body research highlights an element that is often ignored: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increasing screen time becomes the standard, the demand for a purposeful, organized physical activities during the school day has never been more important. This guide will explore the reason why break time is an important part of every school day, the benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for administrators and teachers.

What are the Movement Breaks in the Schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods of time during school hours when students are encouraged engage with physical activity. They can be a time for stretching, dancing, more structured games or exercises, or mindfulness exercises. The movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in the class's sedentary time. They help refocus students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why it is important to break the movement of a person: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily movement breaks on health is among the main reasons to incorporate them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and teens should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Many students do not adhere to this advice due to the fact that they spend so many hours in class.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health advantages:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the common belief that more time spent in school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking a break during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity increases the circulation of blood to your brain. This provides nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• A greater focus on the task

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more focused and score higher than students who don't.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is a matter that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression impact a lot of children of school age. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is well known.

Emotional benefits include:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

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

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

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

Create inclusive classrooms

Since movement breaks are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to fit the needs of different ages, physical abilities, and learning style. Breaks for movement can range from simple chair stretches through interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each child can succeed.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your schedule

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long instructional blocks.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep your students interested.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional development: Provide training and materials for teachers on how to lead activities with confidence.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve practices.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Movement breaks are equally crucial. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity on video calls or give movement-related challenges to students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

On the contrary research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more concentrated, less disruptive and are more effective during their lessons. The movement breaks are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we find the time to move during a packed schedule?"

You can incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine in order to switch between different topics or following intensive concentration. Even brief activity provides tangible advantages.

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

Many activities that require only a little space, or can be performed standing beside desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretching, chair-yoga or just simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The impact of movement breaks on the School Culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about individual benefits; it's about fostering a school culture that values well-being, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that emphasize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Healthier overall for students and less absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

Other wellness programs, such as bullying prevention, nutrition education and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning can be aligned with movement breaks.

Tips for Getting Started

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement breaks for movement?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be adjusted to fit the needs of each school's particular situation.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Is it appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most effective movements require no or little equipment, like scarves and 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. The research suggests that movement is important for a myriad of reasons that include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. It is possible to invest in the future of your students whether you are an administrator or teacher or parent, or even a policymaker.

Include movement as an integral part of the school experience for all students. Learners develop and thrive by moving.