Improving Attendance with Movement-Focused Interventions

In today's ever-changing education system The spotlight is now shifting to the overall development of students. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests remain important, a growing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increasing screen time becomes the commonplace, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity during the school day has never been greater. In this guide we'll look at the reasons why exercise breaks should be a cornerstone of every school's day-to-day schedule and uncover the science behind their advantages, and offer practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the movement breaks in schools?

Movement breaks--also known as breaks for the brain, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are brief periods during the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activities. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, structured games or exercises, or mindfulness-based activities. Breaks for movement, in contrast to physical education classes that follow an established curriculum, are often, short interruptions of the class's sedentary time. They can help students refocus their to reenergize their minds and stimulate their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place over jacks
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Breathing guided by a guide and light movement

Why it is important to break the movement of a person: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of movement breaks for health is one of the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of exercise. Yet, many students aren't meeting this standard because they are unable to spend enough time in the classroom.

Movement Breaks in Schools provide a number of health benefits

• Increase fitness levels for your cardiovascular system
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Obesity in children is a problem

Regular exercise improves your immune system, and encourages lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

In contrast to the popular belief that a longer time at school will result in higher results, research has demonstrated that taking a break in class can boost the academic level of students . Physical activity boosts circulation of blood to your brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive function.

The key academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Higher engagement and participation
• More focused on-task behavior

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

3. Mental Well-being

The mental health of children is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety and depression plaguing many school-age children. The role of exercise in regulating emotions and promoting mental health is well known.

Emotional Benefits include:

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

Physical activity during the day can help to release pent up energy anger, stress or anxiety. This will create an environment that is positive for students.

All learners benefit from breaks for movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities may benefit from a break in their movement. Physical activity can help students manage their energy levels, improve executive function, and better perform in academic activities.

Create inclusive classrooms

The movement breaks can be easily adapted to meet the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple chair stretches to group-based activities that are interactive, movement breaks ensure each student gets the chance to thrive.

Methods for incorporating movement into your workout Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 mins, especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require little equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, stories or themes to keep students engaged.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Gain support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking movement breaks.
• Develop guidelines: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or require them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with training and resources to lead activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

For Remote or Hybrid Learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally crucial during virtual learning. Teachers can either lead video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks they can complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research has shown that students who move regularly are more productive and focused in class. Breaks for movement can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

How can we fit in time to move when our schedule is so packed?

It is possible to incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule for transitions between topics or after an intense focus. Even short activities can bring noticeable advantages.

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

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space or can be done standing beside desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting, or even simple hand and arm movements can be effective in classrooms with small spaces.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that is centered around health, wellbeing and lifelong learning. Schools that emphasize the importance of movement are more likely to experience:

• Students who are healthier and have more absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Burnout and teacher satisfaction rates lower
• More academically successful

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education, social-emotional training, and social-emotional learning can be incorporated into movement breaks.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be constant: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be imaginative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Get Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms and students who are enthusiastically involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools implement movement breaks?

Experts suggest schools should take a 30 minute break to walk around. However, the frequency of breaks is adjustable according to each school's needs.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. The movement breaks aren't an alternative to structured exercise. They are meant to supplement it.

Is movement suitable for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities require no equipment or only basic items such as scarves, balls, or music.

Incorporating breaks for movement into each school day could provide a broad array of advantages. Research shows that movement is important for a variety of reasons which include improving academic performance, physical health and classroom behavior. You can make a difference in the lives of your children, whether you are an administrator or teacher, a parent or a politician.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of every student's educational experience. Why? Because when kids move they learn, improve and prosper.