Your students benefit daily from time in nature and opportunities to move. Physical activity contributes to:
- Increased cognitive function
- Enhanced attention span
- Improved sleep quality
- Enhanced heart and muscular fitness
- Better learning
- Increased self-esteem
- Improved social and problem-solving skills
There are many ways to enhance your student’s physical activity, including:
- Exercise breaks throughout the day, especially between subjects or before settling into desk work
- Creating a movement friendly environment (creating space for movement, making movement stations around the classroom)
- Incorporating movement into classroom learning (associating movements with lesson components has been shown to increase learning/memory)
- Promoting extracurricular activities that incorporate physical activity (intramural sports, track and field etc.)
- When possible, moving classroom activities outside or to other parts of the school
When incorporating physical activity in classrooms, it may be helpful to keep in mind that physical activity breaks don’t have to be long, and they should be easy/accessible. The best movement is the movement that happens consistently.
- 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth 5-17 Years | Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. Evidence-based guidelines that encourage children and youth to "Sweat, Step, Sleep and Sit" the right amounts for a healthy 24 hours.
- Active Kids | Free physical activity program for kids of all ages and abilities. It includes lesson plans, training, and support needed to get kids moving for up to 45 minutes a day. It also includes shorter movement breaks, games, and activities tailored to your needs as an educator or parent.
- DPA Every Day | Ophea. Resource designed to support the implementation of Daily Physical Activity (DPA) to enhance student well-being and achievement.
- Ophea (Ontario Physical and Health Education Association) | Provides a variety of physical activity lesson plans, ideas, professional learning and more.
- PALS Playground Activity Leaders in Schools Facilitator Handbook and Student Leader Training Guide | Region of Peel Public Health. PALS is a playground leadership program for elementary schools that encourages all students to participate in organized activities at break times. PALS provides meaningful leadership opportunities for students in junior and intermediate grades to lead fun and safe playground games for students in primary grades that promote increased physical activity, inclusivity and a sense of belonging. One or two school staff will act as facilitators to coordinate student leadership training and provide continued support.
- For other PALS Program Resources (such as Student Training Guide, Student Leader Handbook, Games Book and Certificates) please complete the school health request form.
- Ready, Check Go! Series | PHE Canada (Physical and Health Education Canada). Physical activity tracker designed to help children and their parents/guardians understand the importance and enjoyment of incorporating regular daily physical activity in ways that suit their personal beliefs and needs.
