Movement Breaks in Special Education: Adaptations and Benefits

The holistic growth of the student is increasingly crucial in the rapidly changing education system. Academic rigor and test scores remain important however, a growing body of research has revealed a vital element often overlooked: movement breaks in schools. The need for organized and purposeful physical activities in the classroom has never been more important. Classrooms that are confined to a single room and a growing amount of screen time are becoming the norm. In this article, we'll explore why movement breaks should be an integral part of every school's daily schedule and uncover the science behind their benefits, and provide concrete strategies for teachers and administrators.

What are the Movement Breaks in Schools?

Movement Breaks are also referred to as Brain breaks, Activity breaks or physical activity breaks are short periods in the school day when students are encouraged engage in physical activities. They can be a time for stretching, dancing, more structured exercises or games, or mindfulness exercises. Unlike the physical education (PE) classes that adhere to a prescribed program, the movement breaks are brief, regular interruptions to sedentary classroom time intended to boost students' energy and refocus their minds.

Examples of Movement Breaks

• Jumping around or running in place Jacks
• Stretching or yoga poses
• 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 movement breaks is their positive impact on physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Children and adolescents should participate in at 60 minutes of exercise movement each day. Yet, many students do not meet this requirement due to long hours spent in class.

Movement Breaks in Schools Offer Several Health Benefits

• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Improve flexibility and muscle strength
• Healthy weight loss: Encourage healthy weight loss
• Help combat childhood obesity

Regular exercise boosts the immune system, and also encourages the creation of long-term healthy lifestyles.

2. Cognitive and Academic Benefits

Contrary to the notion that more time on academics will result in better performance, research shows that integrating breaks for movement can increase academic performance. Physical activity boosts circulation of blood to your brain. This helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that are essential to brain function.

The key academic benefits include:

• Attention and focus can be improved
• Improved memory retention
• Better problem-solving skills
• Participation and engagement
• Focus on the task is increased.

Studies have found that students who are given breaks for movement return to their work with greater focus and demonstrate better achievement scores than students who do not have such breaks.

3. Mental Well-being

Mental health is an issue that concerns many students. Stress, anxiety and depression affect many youngsters of school age. The importance of movement breaks in regulating emotions and encouraging mental well-being is well-known.

Emotional Benefits are:

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

Physical activity throughout the day can help to release the tension anger, stress or anxiety. This can create positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Moving Breaks to Support All Learners

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Students with ADHD, sensory processing issues or other special needs can benefit from a break in their movement. Physical exercise can help students manage their energy levels, improve executive function, and help them better participate in academic tasks.

Inclusion Classrooms that are inclusive

Breaks in the movement can easily be adapted to accommodate the needs of various types of age groups, abilities and learning styles. From simple stretches on the chair to interactive group activities, movement breaks make sure that every student gets the chance to thrive.

How to incorporate movement into your training Breaks

Teachers can profit from this resource

• Create a schedule. Include movement breaks every 30-60 minutes, and especially in lengthy instructional blocks.
• Simple: Use routines that require only minimal equipment or preparation - think jumping, stretching, or quick games.
• Have fun with it! Make use of stories, music, or themes to get students involved.
• Engage students: Have students choose or lead their preferred exercise.

For Administrators

• Get support: Inform staff and their families about the advantages of taking a break to move.
• Create policies: Encourage or mandate daily school breaks for all students.
• Professional development: Provide training and resources for teachers to confidently lead activity breaks.
• Track the progress of your practice: Collect and track feedback to improve your practices.

Learn from home or via hybrid learning

The need for breaks during movement is equally important in virtual learning. Teachers can lead video-based activity sessions or give students movement tasks to do at home.

Addressing Common Concerns

Are movement breaks time-wasters in the class?

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

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

You can include short breaks (between 2-5 minutes) in your daily routine for transitions between different topics or following intense concentration. Even a short activity can provide tangible advantages.

What happens if the space in which we have isn't enough?

A lot of movement exercises require minimal space, or can be performed sitting at desks. In smaller classrooms, seated stretches, chair-yoga, or simple arm and hand exercises can be beneficial.

The Impact of Movement Breaks on School Culture

It's not just about the individual benefits of integrating movement breaks; it's also about creating a culture in schools that is centered around health, wellbeing, and lifelong education. Schools that focus on movement tend to:

• Students with healthier health and lower absences
• A rekindled sense of school spirit and a stronger sense of community
• Teacher satisfaction and burnout rates lower
• Higher academic performance

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

Tips to get started

1. Begin slowly: Start with just two or three breaks throughout the day.
2. Be consistent: Make movement a regular part of the daily routine.
3. Be creative: Rotate the activities to keep students engaged.
4. Receive feedback from teachers and students: Request input and suggestions.
5. Celebrate your success: Recognize classrooms that have participated with enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should schools introduce breaks for movement?

Experts suggest that schools have a 30-minute break for movement. But, the duration of breaks is adjustable depending on the school's requirements.

Can movement breaks replace PE classes?

No. No. Movement breaks are not as a substitute for organized physical education. They are designed to supplement it.

Are movements appropriate for all ages of children?

Yes! Yes!

Do movement breaks require special equipment?

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

Incorporating breaks to move throughout the school day can provide a vast array of advantages. From improving academic performance to improving physical health to supporting wellbeing and behavior in the classroom, the research is clear: movement matters. Whether you're a teacher, administrator or parent, or a the policymaker, advocating for and implementing breaks for movement is a way to invest in the future of our children's success.

Include movement as an integral aspect of the school day for all students. Students learn, grow and flourish by moving.