Using Technology to Track Physical Activity in Schools

The overall development of the child is increasingly crucial in the rapidly changing educational landscape. The quality of their education and the scores they score remain important however, a growing body of research highlights a crucial element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. With sedentary classrooms and increased screen time become the standard, the demand for structured, purposeful physical activity during the school day is never more important. This guide will discuss why movement breaks are an important part of every school day, the benefits they provide and give practical suggestions for teachers and administrators.

What are movement breaks in schools?

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

Examples of movement breaks

• Running or jumping jacks in place
• Yoga or stretching exercises
• Quick dance routines
• Brain gym activities
• Games that require group participation.
• Guided breathing paired with light movement

Why movement breaks matter: The science

1. Physical Health Benefits

The positive effects of daily physical activity breaks for health is one of the main reasons to incorporate them into your routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents must engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activities each day. However, many students do not meet this requirement because they are unable to spend enough time in class.

Movement breaks in schools provide numerous health advantages:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Increase flexibility and muscle strength
• Support healthy weight management
• Help fight childhood obesity

Regular exercise can also boost your immune system, and encourages healthy habits for life.

2. Benefits for the Brain and Education

Contrary to the notion that spending more time studying leads to better results studies show that integrating breaks in movement can enhance academic performance. Physical activity boosts the flow of blood to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients that are essential for the functioning of the brain.

Key academic benefits include:

• Increased focus and attention
• Memory retention is improved
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Increased focus on task behavior

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

3. Mental Well-being

The mental wellbeing of students is a growing concern, with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting many school-age children. The movement breaks play an important role in helping to regulate emotions and mental well-being.

Benefits for the emotional side include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved mood and self-esteem
• Release of "feel good" endorphins
• Opportunity for social interaction and teamwork

Physical activity throughout the day can help to release pent up energy, frustration or worry. This creates a positive classroom atmosphere.

All students benefit from breaks in movement

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students suffering from ADHD, sensory processing issues or other disabilities may benefit from movement breaks. Physical activity can help these students control their energy levels, enhance their executive functioning, and enable them to better perform in academic activities.

Create Inclusive Classrooms

Breaks in the movement can be easily adapted to accommodate the needs of various levels of ability, age groups and learning styles. Breaks for movement can vary from simple stretches on the chair all the way to group-based interactive exercises. They guarantee that each student can thrive.

How to incorporate breaks for exercise into your day

Teachers can benefit from this toolkit

• Create a schedule: Incorporate movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, particularly in long blocks of instruction.
• It's easy. Choose routines that are simple to perform and require minimal equipment or preparation.
• Have fun with it: Use music, stories, or themes to entice students.
• Students should be involved: Let students suggest or lead favorite movements.

For Administrators

• Support for building: Educate staff and family members about the benefits of movement breaks.
• Create guidelines: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and tools for teachers to be able to effectively lead activity breaks.
• Track progress: Collect and track feedback to improve practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

Virtual learning is no different. Movement breaks are just as important. Teachers can conduct live activity sessions via video calls or provide movement challenges for students to complete at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Won't movement breaks waste instructional time?"

Research shows that students who regularly move are more productive and focused in classes. The movement breaks are an Investment in learning, not an interruption.

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

It is possible to incorporate short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) into your schedule for transitions between subjects or to recover from an intense focus. Even brief activity provides significant advantages.

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

Some activities can be performed sitting next to desks or in a tiny space. In small classrooms, sitting stretches, chair-yoga, or even simple hand and arm movements can be effective.

The Greater Impact: The Broader Impact:

It's not just about individual benefits of integrating exercise breaks into your school day; it's about establishing a culture within schools that is centered around wellbeing, health and lifelong learning. Movement-focused schools tend to:

• Students who are healthier and have less absences
• Enhanced school spirit and community
• Greater teacher satisfaction and lower burnout rates
• More academically successful

Other wellness programs, such as education on nutrition, anti-bullying and social-emotional learning, as well as social-emotional-learning could be linked to movement breaks.

Get Started with These Tips

1. Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two breaks during the day, and then increase the number of breaks.
2. Be regular. Include movement in your routine.
3. Make it your own: Rotate activities to keep students entertained and engaged.
4. Get feedback: Ask students and teachers for input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your achievement: Recognize classrooms that are enthusiastically participating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Experts recommend that schools take a 30-minute break to walk around. However, the frequency of breaks can be altered depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. There is no need to. The movement breaks aren't as a substitute for regular physical education. They are meant to enhance it.

Are movement breaks appropriate for everyone?

Yes! The timing of breaks for movement can be customized to preschoolers, elementary middle, high school students.

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

Not at all. Some of the most efficient movements require minimal or no equipment, like scarves and music or balls.

Incorporating breaks for movement into each school day can provide a vast range of benefits. From improving academic performance and physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear: movement matters. You can invest in the future of your students, whether you are a teacher or administrator as well as a parent or politician.

Making movement a vital part of the school experience for every student. Students learn, grow and flourish by moving.