Research Review: Physical Activity and Learning Outcomes

The holistic development of the child is increasingly crucial in the rapidly changing education system. While academic test scores and rigor remain important, a growing body research highlights an element that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. As sedentary classroom routines and increased screen time become the norm, the need for purposeful, structured physical activity throughout the school day is never more important. In this article we'll discuss the reasons why moving breaks should be a key element of every school's day-to-day schedule as well as the scientific basis that explains the benefits of these breaks, and present actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What Are Movement Breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain Breaks, Activity breaks, or physical activity breaks, are short periods during the school day where students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. They can be anything from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more organized games, exercises or even mindfulness-based activities which require movements. Movement breaks, unlike physical education classes that follow the same curriculum, are frequently and short interruptions in classes that are sedentary. They aid in refocusing students' minds and reenergize them.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping jacks or running in place
• Yoga or stretching poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games for groups that require movement
• Breathing guided by a guide, paired with gentle movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive impact of movement breaks on health is among the main reasons to incorporate these breaks into your daily routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. A majority of students fail to comply with this requirement because they spend long hours in school.

Movement breaks in schools can provide a variety of health advantages:

• Increase your cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility
• Weight management: Support healthy weight loss
• Help fight childhood obesity

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

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the belief that more time on academics leads to better results, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can increase academic performance. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, delivering nutrients and oxygen that are crucial to cognitive function.

Key academic benefits include:

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

The results of studies have shown that students who receive breaks to move return to work with greater concentration and show higher achievement scores compared to those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that concerns many students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of students of school age. The movement breaks play an important part in promoting emotional regulation and well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Stress reduction and anxiety reduction
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

Physical activity during school day provides a healthy outlet for pent-up anger, frustration or anxiety, which can help to create a positive school environment.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD or sensory processing problems or any other specific needs may benefit from movement breaks. Physical activity can help these students control their energy levels, enhance their executive functioning, and enable them to better take on academic tasks.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Since movement breaks are adaptable and customizable, they can be adapted to meet the requirements of different age groups, physical abilities, and learning styles. Movement breaks can range from simple chair stretches all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They ensure that every student can succeed.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly during long blocks of instruction.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require minimal equipment or preparation--think jumping, stretching or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Fun: Integrate music, storytelling or themes to keep students engaged.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families on the benefits of movement breaks.
• Establish policies: Encourage daily movement breaks in schools or mandate these breaks.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with the necessary training and tools to conduct breaks with confidence.
• Track improvements: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as important in virtual learning. Teachers can facilitate live sessions of activity via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the classroom?

Research shows that students who regularly move are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for movement are an investment in learning, not an interruption.

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

Movement breaks can be short--just 2-5 minutes--and can be built into transitions between subjects or after periods that require intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

What if the classroom space that we have available is not enough?

Some exercises can be completed sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. In smaller classrooms, seated yoga, stretches in a chair, or just simple hand and arm moves can be very effective.

The Broader Impact: School Culture and Movement Breaks

The importance of integrating movement breaks isn't only about individual benefits; it's about creating the school's culture of health, well-being and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students with better health and lower absences
• Community involvement and school spirit are increased
• Higher satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are stronger

The timing of your breaks for exercise can be synchronized with other wellness activities, such as social-emotional learning, nutrition education, and anti-bullying programs.

Tips to get started

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Most experts recommend a movement break every 30-60 minutes however, the time interval can be adjusted to suit each school's unique needs.

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! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Many effective movement activities do not require any equipment or basic items such as balls, scarves or music.

Incorporating the benefits of movement into each schoolday is an easy method that is based on research and has a wide range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health, to promoting the mental health of students and improving classroom behavior The research proves that movement is crucial. No matter if you're a teacher administrator, parent, or the policymaker, advocating for and implementing regular breaks in your routine can be a significant investment in the next generation's success.

Include movement as an integral element of school life for every student. Learners grow and thrive by moving.