Music and Dance as Effective Movement Breaks

The overall growth of the student is increasingly crucial in today's rapidly changing education system. While academic test scores and rigor are still important, increasing body of research has highlighted an aspect that is often overlooked: breaks for movement in schools. The need for structured and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more vital. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are now the standard. In this guide, we'll explore why movement breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule as well as the scientific basis behind the benefits of these breaks, and present concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

Movement Breaks, also known as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short breaks in the school day when students are encouraged to participate in physical activities. These breaks can include dancing, stretching, or other organized games, exercises or mindfulness-based activities. Movement breaks, unlike classes in physical education that adhere to a curriculum, are frequent and short interruptions in classes that are sedentary. They help refocus students in their minds and help them reenergize.

Examples of movement breaks

• Running in place or jumping over jacks
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Group games that involve movement
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

The reason why movement breaks are important: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effect of regular movement breaks for health is one of the most compelling reasons for including them into your routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children and adolescents engage in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. However, many students fall short of this recommendation because of the long hours they spend in class.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health benefits:

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

Regular exercise boosts the immune system and helps in the development of lifelong healthy habits.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the belief that spending more time studying will result in better performance, research shows that integrating movement breaks can actually enhance the academic level. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen that are crucial to cognitive function.

The key benefits for academics include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• An increase in focus on task behavior

The results of studies have shown that students who get movement breaks return to tasks with greater concentration and show greater achievement scores when compared with those without such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is becoming a major concern with stress, anxiety and depression affecting many school-age children. Movement breaks play a significant role in supporting emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Emotional Benefits are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Endorphins release to create a positive feeling
• Social interaction opportunities and teamwork

The physical activity you do throughout the day can help to let go of any tension, frustration or worry. This creates an environment that is positive for students.

The Movement Breaks Help All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Movement breaks are particularly beneficial for those with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing challenges, or with other disabilities. Physical activity can help these students regulate their energy levels, improve their executive functioning, and enable them to better participate in academic tasks.

Creating Inclusive Classrooms

Movement breaks are easily modified to accommodate the needs of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. Breaks for movement can be anything from simple chair stretching through interactive group exercises. They make sure that each student is able to thrive.

How to incorporate movement breaks into your day

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Make it simple. Choose routines that are easy to do and require no equipment or preparation.
• Make it fun: Integrate music, storytelling, or other themes that keep students engaged.
• Involve students: Have students choose or lead their own favorite movement activities.

For Administrators

• Build support: Educate staff and families about the benefits of regular breaks for movement.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily movement breaks school-wide.
• Professional Development: Provide teachers with information and training to guide activity breaks in a confident manner.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practice.

Learn online or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. Breaks for movement are equally important. Teachers can facilitate live activities via video calls or assign movement challenges for students to work on at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

Research has shown that students who exercise regularly are more focused and productive in class. Breaks for movement are an investment into learning and not distracting.

"How do we make the time to move during the midst of a busy schedule?"

The duration of movement breaks is usually 2-5 minutes. They can be integrated into the transition between subjects or after periods that require intense concentration. Even short activities can bring significant advantages.

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

Some exercises can be completed standing next to desks or in a small space. Stretching in a chair, sitting or even basic hand and arm movements work well in small classrooms.

The Effects of Movement Breaks on the school culture

It's not only about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around well-being, health and lifelong learning. Schools that prioritize exercise are likely to have:

• Students who are healthier and have more absences
• Improved school spirit and community
• Greater satisfaction with the teacher and lower rates of burnout
• Higher academic performance

Movement breaks can also align with other wellness initiatives, such as social-emotional learning as well as nutrition education and anti-bullying programs.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start small: Begin with one or two movement breaks a day and build from there.
2. Be regular: Make movement a regular part of your daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Solicit feedback: Ask students and teachers for feedback and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts suggest that schools should take a 30 minute break for movement. But, the frequency of breaks can be altered in accordance with the needs of each school.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. Absolutely not. Movement breaks are not a substitute for structured exercise. They are designed to enhance it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for all ages?

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

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Certain of the most effective exercises require no or little equipment, such as scarves or music, or even balls.

Incorporating movements into your schoolday is a simple approach that has proven benefits. From boosting academic performance and physical health, to promoting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear: movement matters. If you're a teacher administrator or parent, or a an advocate for policy, promoting and implementing regular breaks in your routine can be a significant investment in the success of the next generation.

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