Great Ideas

Create a positive, physically active atmosphere. Here are some ways that will help you get started:

Encourage physical activity opportunities in your school.
Organize "special events" with a physical activity component (e.g. circuits, dance festivals, gym blasts, or sports days).
Provide access to the gym in the morning, noon, or after school to students for physical activity.
Offer intramural programs for all.

Even small amounts of physical activity throughout the day can add up to what you need for a healthier and longer life. Here are a few ideas:

Bounce-at-the-Bell - When the school bell rings, have students do a series of jumps, the number to be pre-determined and increased throughout the weeks... Do a variety of different jumps; one-foot hopping, jumping jacks, scissor jumps, etc.
Spelling in motion - Students take turns choosing a content-area word and saying it to the class followed by an action word. The class then spell the word doing the action for each letter. For example, if a student chooses the word MOLECULE and says jumping jacks, the class will spell that word and do a jumping jack for each letter.
For other classroom physical activity ideas please visit: http://www.pecentral.org/lessonideas/pelessonplans.html

Ensure students are physically active at recess. Encourage them to participate in self-directed activities that are of moderate or vigorous intensity. It is a great time to take advantage of the open space and be active. Check out this link filled with recess ideas: http://www.ciraontario.com/content/RecessRevival.pdf

Organize a Walking/Cycling School Bus. This active transportation system involves volunteer parents/caregivers taking turns walking/cycling with children to get them to and from school. For more information please visit: http://www.greenactioncentre.ca
Go for a walk first thing in the morning as a school. Schools can invite community residents to join them. If it is not possible to walk everyday, aim to do it once a week.

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