How Movement Breaks Can Support Trauma-Informed Classrooms

In today's ever-changing educational landscape, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the overall student's development. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain crucial however, a growing amount of research reveals a key element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for structured, purposeful physical activity in the classroom has never been more important. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are becoming the standard. In this guide we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of any school's daily routine and uncover the science of their benefits, and provide practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also known as brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks -- are brief periods during the school day during which students are encouraged to engage in physical activity. They can be a time for dancing, stretching, organized games, exercises or mindfulness activities. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

• Running in the same
• Yoga or stretching poses
• 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

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is the positive effect they have on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens take part in 60 minutes of exercise. However, many students aren't meeting this standard due to long hours spent in the classroom.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health advantages:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Support healthy weight management
• Fighting childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system, and also encourages the development of lifelong healthy lifestyles.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the widely held belief that more time spent in school will result in higher grades, research has shown that taking breaks to move during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, which delivers nutrients and oxygen that are crucial for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• Focus on the task is increased.

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more focused and achieve higher scores than those who do not.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety and depression being a major issue for school-aged youngsters. Movement breaks play a significant part in promoting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and create a positive feeling
• Teamwork and social interaction

Physical activity during the day can help to let go of any tension, frustration or worry. This can create a positive classroom atmosphere.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other special needs can benefit from breaks in movement. Physical exercise can help students control their energy levels, enhance executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Designing inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks can be easily adapted to meet the requirements of various age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities movement breaks make sure that each student has the opportunity to succeed.

How do you incorporate breaks for movement into your day

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important during lengthy instructional blocks.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are easy to do and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, stories or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Involve students: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and families on 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.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

For Hybrid or Remote Learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can either conduct video-based activities or assign students tasks to finish at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

Studies show that students who move regularly are more focused and productive in classes. Movement breaks are an investment into learning and not a distraction.

"How do we make time for movement in the midst of a busy schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or during times that require intense concentration. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

What happens if the space in which that we have available is not enough?

Some exercises can be completed standing next to desks or in a tiny space. Chair yoga, seated stretches or even simple arm and hand movements can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about individual benefits; it's about building the school's culture of wellbeing, health and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that are focused on movement tend to:

• Improved overall student health and less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• More satisfaction with the teacher and lower burnout rates
• Stronger academic outcomes

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

Tips to Get Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Get feedback from students and teachers: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who enthusiastically participate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce movement breaks?

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes but the timing can be altered to meet the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Breaks in movement aren't as a substitute for organized physical education. They are designed to complement it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient exercises require no or little equipment, like scarves and music or balls.

Integrating breaks for movement into each school day can provide a vast range of benefits. From improving academic performance to improving physical fitness to improving wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear that movement is important. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or a policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is a way to invest in the future of our children's success.

Making movement a vital aspect of the school day for every student. Learners develop and prosper by moving.