Gamifying Movement Breaks for Elementary Students

In today's ever-changing education system, the spotlight is increasingly focused on the holistic growth of students. 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 active physical activity that is purposeful in the classroom has never been more important. The use of classrooms with a fixed schedule and the increase in screen time are becoming the standard. In this guide 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 their advantages, and offer actionable strategies for educators and administrators.

What are the definitions of movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks, are brief periods of time in the school day when students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. The breaks may range from just a few minutes of dancing or stretching to more formal games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that involve movement. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes that follow a predetermined curriculum, movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions to sedentary classroom time intended to boost students' energy and refresh their minds.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place or jumping over jacks
• Stretching or Yoga Poses
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that require movement
• Light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks on the health of a person is among the strongest reasons for incorporating them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents get 60 minutes of physical activity. Many students do not meet this recommendation due to the fact that they spend too many hours in the classroom.

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

• Increase the cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and strength of muscles
• Weight management: Help support healthy weight loss
• Combating childhood obesity

Regular movement also boosts the immune system and helps in the development of lifelong healthy routines.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

In contrast to the popular belief that a longer time at school leads to better results, research has demonstrated that taking a break in class can boost academic performance . Exercise increases blood flow to the brain. This provides oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive functioning.

The main benefits for academics include:

• Focus and attention can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Engagement and participation
• Increased focus on task

Research has shown that students who receive breaks for movement return to their work with greater concentration and show greater achievement scores when compared with students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a concern that affects a lot of students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of children of school age. The importance of regular exercise in regulating emotions and encouraging mental health is well known.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem and improved mood
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunities for social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity during school day can provide an outlet for the accumulated energy, frustration, or worry, helping to create a more comfortable and positive environment in the classroom.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for students with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or problems with sensory processing or other special needs. Physical exercise can help students regulate their energy levels, improve executive function, and better take on academic tasks.

Create inclusive classrooms

Movement breaks are easily modified to meet the requirements of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, breaks in the form of movement make sure that each student has the opportunity to succeed.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can profit from this toolkit

• Create a calendar. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it easy: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or playing games in a short time.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music or themes to get students involved.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking movement breaks.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily exercise breaks across the school.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track the progress: Collect feedback and monitor results to improve techniques.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Movement breaks are just as essential during online learning. Teachers may conduct video-based activities or assign students tasks they can complete at their homes.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movements breaks waste instructional time?"

On the contrary studies show 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 do we make time to move when our schedules are jammed?

It is possible to incorporate brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule, either to transition between different topics or following intense concentration. Even short activities have obvious advantages.

What if the classroom space we have is limited?

Many movement activities require little space, or can be performed sitting at desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even basic hand and arm exercises are effective in small classrooms.

The Broader Impact: Movement Breaks and School Culture

Integrating movement breaks isn't just about the individual benefit; it's about creating the school's culture of wellbeing, health, and lifelong learning. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and less absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Higher satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Academic results that are more impressive

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

Start with these Tips

1. Start small: Begin with one or two breaks during the day and increase it from there.
2. Keep it regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Ask for Feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your accomplishments: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break to move around. However, the duration of breaks is adjustable depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not an alternative to structured physical education. They are intended to supplement it.

Is it appropriate for all children?

Yes! Breaks for movement can be adapted for preschoolers, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating breaks to move into the daily school routine can provide a vast range of benefits. Research shows that physical activity is crucial for a myriad of reasons, including improving academic performance and physical health as well as classroom behaviour. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or a policymaker, advocating for and implementing movement breaks is a way to invest in the success of the next generation.

Include movement as an integral element of school life for every student. Students learn, grow and flourish by moving.