Assessing the ROI of School Movement Programs

In today's ever-changing educational landscape the spotlight is turning to the holistic growth of students. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain important however, a growing body of research has revealed a vital element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. Since sedentary classroom routines as well as increasing screen time becomes the commonplace, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity throughout the school day has never been more important. This guide will explain the reasons why breaks for movement are essential to every school day, and the benefits they provide and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also called breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short breaks during the school day during which students are required to participate in physical activity. These breaks may include stretching, dancing, more structured exercises or games, or mindfulness activities. Unlike physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set curriculum, movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to the sedentary classroom intended to boost students' energy and refocus their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• In place running or jumping Jacks
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why movement breaks matter The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is their positive impact on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens get 60 minutes of exercise. Many students do not adhere to this advice due to the fact that they spend long hours in school.

School breaks during movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system and helps you maintain lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the widely held belief that more time spent in school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity increases the blood flow to your brain. This provides nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive functioning.

The main academic benefits are:

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

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more focused and achieve higher scores over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age youngsters. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is widely known.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction and teamwork

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

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other special needs can benefit from a break in their movement. Physical activity can help students control their energy levels, boost executive function, and better perform in academic activities.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Because they are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the requirements of various age groups and physical abilities as well as learning style. Movement breaks can vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that every student can succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can benefit from this resource

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require no equipment or preparation, such as jumping, stretching or playing games in a short time.
• Have fun with it! Use music, stories or themes to entice students.
• Get students involved: Have students choose or lead their own favorite exercise.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Monitor progress: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Movement breaks are equally crucial. Teachers may facilitate video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks they can complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't the movement breaks in between lessons waste time?"

Studies show that students who exercise regularly are more productive and focused in class. The breaks during movement can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

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

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or during times that require intense concentration. Even short activities can bring tangible benefits.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Many activities that require only a little space or can be done sitting at desks. Chair yoga, seated stretches, or even simple hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on School Culture

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about creating a culture in schools that values well-being, health, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• More academically successful

Breaks for movement can also be aligned with other wellness programs including social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and anti-bullying programs.

Start by implementing these tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
2. Keep it consistent. Include movement in your routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
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 start introducing breaks for movement?

Experts suggest schools should take a 30 minute break to walk around. But, the frequency 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 movements appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Most effective movements need no equipment, or just basic items such as scarves, balls, or even music.

Incorporating breaks to move throughout the school day can have a wide array of advantages. Research shows that exercise is essential for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or even a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is an investment in the success of the next generation.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable part of every student's school experience--because when students move they learn, develop, and thrive.