Interdisciplinary Approaches: Movement and Math

The holistic development of the child is becoming increasingly important in today's rapidly changing educational environment. While academic rigorousness and the scores on tests are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect which is often neglected: breaks for movement in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increasing screen time becomes the commonplace, the need for a purposeful, organized physical activity throughout the school day has never been more important. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be a key element of any school's daily routine as well as the scientific basis behind the benefits of these breaks, and present practical strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks at schools?

Motion breaks--also known as breaks for the brain activities breaks, brain breaks or physical activity breaks -- are brief periods during the school day where students are motivated to engage in physical activity. They can be anything from a few minutes of dancing or stretching, to more structured games, exercises or mindfulness exercises that involve movement. Contrary to the physical education (PE) classes, which follow a set program, the movement breaks are quick, often frequent interruptions of sedentary class time designed to help students reenergize and refocus their minds.

Example of Movement Breaks

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

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

1. Physical Health Benefits

One of the main reasons to incorporate breaks into your routine is the positive effect they have on physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids and teens take part in 60 minutes of daily exercise. A lot of students don't meet this recommendation because they spend long hours in school.

School-based movement breaks provide a number of health benefits

• Enhance cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and strength of muscles
• Encourage healthy weight management
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system, and also encourages the growth of healthy routines.

2. Advantages to the Brain and Education

Contrary to the common belief that more time spent in school leads to better results, research has demonstrated that taking movement breaks in class can boost the academic level of students . Exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that are vital for cognitive functioning.

The most important academic benefits are:

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

According to research, students who take movement breaks are more focused and score higher over those who don't.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is a matter that concerns many students. Anxiety, stress and depression impact a lot of youngsters of school age. The importance of regular exercise in managing emotions and improving mental health is well known.

Emotional Benefits include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improvement in mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins are released and create a positive feeling
• Social interaction opportunities and collaboration

The physical exercise you engage in during the day can assist to release pent up energy anger, stress or anxiety. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students who suffer from ADHD and sensory processing disorders or other disabilities may benefit from breaks in movement. Physical activity can help these students regulate their energy levels, enhance executive function, and better perform in academic activities.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Movement breaks can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of different levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. From simple chair stretching to interactive group activities breaks in the form of movement make sure that that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your daily routine

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Make a plan: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, especially during lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think stretching, jumping or games that are quick and easy to play.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories, or themes to engage students.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead their favorite movement exercises.

For Administrators

• Gain 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 training and tools for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of the practice: Collect feedback and record outcomes to help refine practices.

for Hybrid or Remote Learning

Breaks for movement are equally important in virtual learning. Teachers can lead live sessions of activity through video calls, or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Do movement breaks eat up time in the classroom?

However studies show that students who exercise regularly are more focused, less disruptive, and more efficient during lessons. Movement breaks can be an investment in learning, not a distraction.

"How can we create enough time to move in an already packed schedule?"

You can include brief breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine for transitions between subjects or to recover from an intense focus. Even short activities have obvious benefits.

"What do we do if our classroom is limited?"

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space, or can be performed sitting at desks. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even basic arm and hand movements work well in small classrooms.

The Impact of School Culture and Movement Breaks

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating movement breaks, but also about establishing a culture in schools that is centered around wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Overall health improvement for the student and fewer absences
• The spirit of school and involvement in the community are enhanced
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Stronger academic outcomes

Other wellness-related initiatives, like bullying prevention, nutrition education and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning could be linked to movement breaks.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks per day.
2. Be constant. Include movement in your routine.
3. Get creative: Rotate activities to keep students interested and engaged.
4. Ask for feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have enthusiastically participated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools start introducing 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. There is no need to. Movement breaks are not an alternative to regular physical education. They are meant to supplement it.

Are exercise breaks suitable for everyone?

Yes! Movement breaks can be tailored for elementary school children, preschoolers middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most efficient moves require no or little equipment, including scarves, music, or balls.

Incorporating breaks to move throughout the school day can have a wide range of benefits. The research suggests that movement is important for a myriad of reasons that include improving academic performance as well as physical health and classroom behavior. It is possible to invest in the future of your children, whether you are an administrator or teacher as well as a parent or policymaker.

Let's make moving a mandatory element of each student's school experience--because when students move they learn, improve, and thrive.