Get the Facts: Movement Breaks in the Classroom Grades K-5

Teacher leading a movement break in the classroomThe information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose.

Not all students have access to safe streets, playgrounds, or spaces to be physically active. Movement breaks in the classroom provide students with the opportunity to be physically active and help them meet the national physical activity standards1 of at least 60 minutes per day. 

  • Movement breaks are short physical activity opportunities done in the classroom.
  • Only one in four children2 meets the national recommendations1 of physical activity. Movement breaks can supplement other school physical activity opportunities, like recess and physical education, to help more children meet physical activity guidelines.3,4
  • Students enjoy having opportunities to be physically active in the classroom, and movement breaks allow students to refocus and bring full attention back to academic work.5-7

Movement breaks can help teachers create a positive classroom climate and culture.8 

  • Movement breaks in the classroom can increase students’ time spent on tasks3,4 and engagement in learning.4
  • Movement breaks can help with classroom management when implemented appropriately.4,5
  • Students say they can focus and learn better and are more excited about school after movement breaks.6,7
  • Teachers enjoy leading movement breaks. When teachers participate in the breaks, they can also experience the health benefits of being physically active.4 

Childhood is a crucial period for developing movement skills and healthy habits. Providing students with physical activity will help them build a foundation for overall health and well-being. 

  • Regular physical activity can reduce anxiety, stress, and symptoms of depression and improve self-esteem.1 
  • Active students generally have better heart and lung health, stronger muscles and bones, and healthier body weight than inactive students.1
  • Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, attendance at school, memory, and attention.9

Experts agree that students should have opportunities for classroom physical activity. Teachers can help students meet the physical activity recommendations by incorporating movement breaks in the classroom.10-12

  • Providing resources and proper training in effective ways to promote movement in the classroom can increase teacher uptake and confidence in implementation and provide children with opportunities for physical activity.4
  • Some tips to help teachers run movement breaks are:  

Introduce and demonstrate activity breaks using a video or other examples.7 Tailor the breaks to the context of your classroom.4

Be consistent with the days and times you do movement breaks.7

Outline expectations for students and make sure children are aware of their physical space.7 Modify activities to allow all students to participate in the breaks.4 Deep breaths after the movement break can help students transition to the next activity.5

Participate in the movement break activities with the students when possible.4

Explain the benefits of moving during the school day and provide students with positive reinforcement, especially those who may find movement breaks more challenging.7

Consider students’ preferences when doing breaks.3 Students like movement breaks that allow choice, imagination, and that are at an appropriate level of difficulty. They do not like breaks that are too difficult or silly.6



Suggested Citation

Get the Facts: Movement Breaks in the Classroom (Grades K-5). Prevention Research Center on Nutrition and Physical Activity Team at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; March 2023.

Funding

This work is supported by The JPB Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U48DP006376). The findings and conclusions are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other funders. The information provided here is intended to be used for educational purposes. Links to other resources and websites are intended to provide additional information aligned with this educational purpose.

©2015 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. The CHOICES name, acronym and logo are marks of the President and Fellows of Harvard College.

Last updated:  March 21, 2023