Using Technology to Track Physical Activity in Schools

The holistic development of the student is becoming more important in today's rapidly changing education system. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body of research reveals an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. Sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time is becoming the commonplace. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be an integral part of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science of the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are 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 the school day where students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. They can be anything from a few minutes of stretching or dancing to more formal exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities that involve movements. In contrast to physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set curriculum, movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to re-energize students and refresh their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in the same
• Yoga poses or stretching
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the strongest motives to include movement breaks is their positive impact on physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of exercise. Yet, many students fall short of this recommendation because of the long hours they spend in the classroom.

School-based movement breaks Provide a variety of health benefits

• Enhance the cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise also improves the immune system, and also encourages the development of lifelong healthy routines.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the widely held belief that more time spent in school leads to better results, research has demonstrated that taking a break during classes can enhance the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This provides nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• More focused focus on task behavior

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more concentrated and have 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 children. The movement breaks play an important part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress and anxiety are lessened.
• Self-esteem and mood improvement
• Endorphins are released to create a positive feeling
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can help to release the tension, frustration or worry. This will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), difficulties with sensory processing, or any other needs. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, boost executive function, and help them better perform in academic activities.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Since movement breaks are easily adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the needs of different ages and physical abilities as well as learning methods. From simple stretches on the chair to group-based activities that are interactive, breaks in the form of movement guarantee that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your schedule

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Set a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes. This is especially important in long blocks of instruction.
• Simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Make it enjoyable: Integrate music, storytelling or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of taking breaks to move.
• Create guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is not any different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can conduct live activities via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

On the contrary research has shown that students who regularly move are more focused, less disruptive and more productive during lessons. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not an interruption.

How do we find the time to move if our schedules are jammed?

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine, either to transition between subjects or to recover from an intense focus. Even short activity has noticeable advantages.

"What is the best course to take if space isn't enough?"

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space, or can be performed standing beside desks. In small classrooms, sitting stretches, chair-yoga, or just simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The impact of movement breaks on School Culture

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about the individual benefit; it's about fostering an environment that promotes wellbeing, health, and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have lower absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Greater teacher satisfaction and lower burnout rates
• Stronger academic outcomes

Other wellness-related initiatives, like nutrition education, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning could be linked to breaks for movement.

Tips to Get Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and build from there.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the recommended frequency for schools to implement movement breaks?

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break to move around. But, the frequency of breaks can be altered in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are fitness breaks appropriate for all ages?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. A lot of effective activities for movement require no equipment or only simple items like scarves, balls, or music.

Incorporating breaks for movement throughout the school day can provide a vast array of advantages. The research shows that exercise is essential for a myriad of reasons which include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behaviour. You can make a difference in the lives of your students, whether you're an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Make movement an essential aspect of the school day for every student. Learners develop and flourish when they move.