How Movement Breaks Can Support Trauma-Informed Classrooms

In today's ever-changing educational environment The spotlight is now focused on the holistic student's development. While academic rigor and scores on tests remain crucial, an increasing amount of body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom is more crucial than ever. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time is becoming the standard. This guide will explain the reasons why breaks for movement are an essential part of any school day, and the advantages they bring, and offer practical strategies for administrators and teachers.

What are the Movement Breaks in Schools?

Movement breaks--also known as brain breaks break, activity breaks, or physical activity breaks--are short periods within the school day where students are required to participate in physical activity. These breaks may include dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness activities. Contrary to physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time designed to help students reenergize and help them refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Running in place or jumping over jacks
• Stretching or yoga poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of movement breaks on health is one of the strongest reasons for incorporating them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents take part in 60 minutes of regular physical activity. But, many children do not meet this requirement because of the long hours they spend sitting in classrooms.

Breaks in school for movement provide numerous health benefits:

• Improve your cardiovascular fitness
• Enhance flexibility and muscle strength
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise improves your immune system and promotes good habits that last for a lifetime.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the common belief that a longer time at school will result in higher scores, research has proven that taking movement breaks during class can improve academic performance . Physical activity increases the flow of blood to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are essential to cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement that is more active
• An increase in focus on task behavior

According to studies that have been conducted, students who exercise during breaks are more concentrated and achieve higher scores than students who don't.

3. Mental and Emotional Well-being

The mental health of children is an increasing concern with anxiety, stress, and depression plaguing many school-age youngsters. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to create a positive feeling
• Opportunity for social interaction and collaboration

Physical activity during the school day provides an opportunity to release any excess tension, anger or anxiety, assisting to create a positive school environment.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sensory processing challenges, or other special needs. These students benefit from physical activity by regulating their energy levels, increasing executive function and participating in academic assignments.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement are easily modified to meet the requirements of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. Breaks for movement can vary from simple stretches on the chair through interactive group exercises. They guarantee that each student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Keep it simple: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think jumping, stretching, or quick games.
• Have fun with it! Use music, stories, or themes to engage students.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Support: Inform staff and their families of the benefits of taking breaks for movement.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead breaks with confidence.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and track outcomes to refine techniques.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally essential during online learning. Teachers can either conduct video-based activities or give students movement challenges to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the class?

Contrary to popular belief research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. The movement breaks are an investment into learning and not an interruption.

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

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into transitions between subjects or during times that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

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

Many activities that require only a little space or are done by standing in front of desks. Seated stretches, chair yoga, or even simple hand and arm exercises can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about fostering an environment that promotes well-being, health, and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are increased
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Academic results that are more impressive

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

Tips to Get Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students engaged and interested.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for their input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement movement breaks?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break for movement. But, the duration of breaks is adjustable in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Movement breaks are a supplement to--not a replacement for--structured physical education.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most effective movements require minimal or no equipment, including scarves or music, or even balls.

Incorporating breaks for movement throughout the school day could provide a broad array of advantages. From improving academic performance to improving physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom The research proves that movement is crucial. It is possible to make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you're a teacher or administrator, a parent or a policymaker.

Make movement an essential element of school life for every student. Learners grow and thrive when they move.