How Movement Breaks Can Support Trauma-Informed Classrooms

In the current rapidly changing educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the overall development of students. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time is becoming the standard. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis of their advantages, and offer concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in the Schools?

Motion breaks--also known as breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods within the school day during which students are required to participate in physical activity. These breaks can range from short periods of dancing or stretching to more formal games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that require movement. In contrast to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined program, the movement breaks are short, frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to re-energize students and refresh their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular movement breaks on the health of a person is one of the most compelling reasons for including these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and adolescents must engage in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation due to the fact that they spend so many hours in class.

Movement breaks in schools offer several health benefits:

• Improve your fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves your immune system, and encourages healthy habits for life.

2. Advantages to the brain and education

Contrary to the notion that spending more time in school will result in better performance studies show that integrating movement breaks can actually improve academic performance. Exercise increases circulation of blood to your brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive function.

The main academic benefits are:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• Increased focus on task

Research has shown that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater focus and demonstrate higher achievement scores compared to those who don't get such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age children. Breaks in the gym play a crucial role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can help to let go of any tension and stress. This can create an environment that is positive for students.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Breaks during movement are particularly beneficial for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing challenges, or any other needs. These students will benefit from exercise in regulating their energy levels, enhancing their executive functioning and completing academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. Movement breaks can be anything from simple chair stretching up to interactive group exercises. They ensure that each student is able to thrive.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require no 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 favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide breaks with confidence.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Breaks for movement are equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers may facilitate video-based activity sessions or assign students challenges to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

Contrary to popular belief studies show that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive, and are more effective during their lessons. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

"How do we make enough time to move in a packed schedule?"

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into transitions between subjects or following times that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

"What is the best course to take if space 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 arm and hand movements work well in small classrooms.

The impact of movement breaks on the School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks; it's also about creating a culture in schools that values wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on exercise are likely to have:

• Students with healthier health and less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• More satisfaction of teachers and lower burnout rates
• Academic results that are more impressive

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

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start slow: Start with just one or two breaks per day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be adjusted to fit each school's unique needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to, not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movements appropriate for all ages of children?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient moves require no or little equipment, such as scarves or music, or even balls.

Incorporating breaks for exercise into the daily school routine can have a wide array of advantages. The research suggests that exercise is essential for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behavior. It is possible to invest in the future of your students, whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Let's make it a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience--because when students move they learn, develop, and thrive.