Interdisciplinary Approaches: Movement and Math

In today's rapidly evolving educational environment, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the overall development of students. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain crucial however, a growing body of research highlights a crucial aspect that is often ignored: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increased screen time become the norm, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity during the school day is never more urgent. This guide will explain why movement breaks are an important part of every school day, what benefits they offer and provide practical tips for teachers and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks in schools?

Motion breaks--also known as brain breaks break, activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short breaks during the school day during which students are motivated to engage in physical activity. They can be anything from short periods of stretching or dancing to more formal exercises, games or even mindfulness-based activities that require movement. Breaks for movement, in contrast to classes in physical education that adhere to an established curriculum, are often, short interruptions of sedentary class time. They can help students refocus their in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Guided breathing combined with light movement

Why movement breaks matter The Science

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main motives to include movement breaks is their positive impact on physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children and teens should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activities each day. But, many children fall short of this recommendation due to long hours spent in class.

School breaks during movement can provide a variety of health advantages:

• Increase cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and promotes lifestyle changes that are healthy for your future.

2. Benefits for the brain and education

In contrast to the popular belief that more time spent in school results in better grades, research has shown that taking movement breaks during class can improve academic performance . Physical activity boosts blood flow to your brain. This delivers oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive functioning.

Its primary academic benefits include:

• Focus and attention are improved.
• Memory retention is enhanced
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• More focused on-task behavior

Research has shown that students who are given breaks to move return to work more focused and have better achievement scores than those who don't get such breaks.

3. Well-being of the Mind and Emotions

Mental health is an issue that affects a lot of students. Stress, anxiety and depression are a major concern for children who are in school. Movement breaks play a significant role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduction in stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Teamwork and social interaction

The physical exercise you engage in throughout the day can help to release the tension anger, stress or anxiety. This creates positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Movement Breaks Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD or sensory processing problems or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, enhance executive function, and help them better take on academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Because they are adaptable, they can be tailored to meet the needs of different age groups and physical abilities as well as learning styles. Movement breaks can be anything from simple chair stretching all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They make sure that every student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

For Teachers

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially during long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to complete and require no equipment or preparation.
• Enjoy it: Use music, stories, or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking breaks for movement.
• Develop policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate them.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks confidently.
• Monitor the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning isn't any different. Breaks for movement are equally crucial. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or assign students tasks they can do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

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

However, research shows that students who regularly move are more concentrated, less disruptive and more efficient during lessons. Movement breaks are an Investment into learning and not distracting.

How can we fit in the time to move if our schedules are so jam-packed?

Breaks for movement can be brief--just 2-5 minutes. They can also be incorporated into interludes between subjects, or during times that require intense concentration. Even brief activity provides significant advantages.

"What if our classroom space isn't enough?"

Many activities that require only a little space or are done standing beside desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even basic hand and arm exercises work well in small classrooms.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on the School Culture

Incorporating breaks for movement isn't just about personal benefits, it's about fostering the school's culture of well-being, health, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Schools that prioritize exercise are likely to have:

• Healthier overall for students and fewer absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Greater satisfaction with the teacher and lower burnout rates
• More academically successful

Other wellness-related initiatives, like education on nutrition, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning can be aligned with the breaks in your exercise.

Tips to get started

1. Start slowly: Start with just one or two breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a routine part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep your students entertained.
4. Solicit feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Most experts suggest a move break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be altered to meet the specific needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. The movement breaks are an addition to, but not a substitute for, structured physical education.

Are movements appropriate for all children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating movement breaks into every schoolday is an easy approach that has proven benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical fitness to improving the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior, the research is clear that movement is important. It is possible to invest in the future of your students whether you're a teacher or administrator or parent, or even a policymaker.

Let's make movement a non-negotiable element of every student's educational experience. Because when students move they learn, develop and flourish.