Research shows that daily physical activity improves concentration and academic achievement. Schools are an ideal place to promote health by creating daily opportunities to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour. School-based physical activity initiatives can reach every student regardless of age, ability, gender, culture and socio-economic background. Both structured and unstructured activity is important and daily activity can be obtained through classes, sports, intramurals, dance, but as well as through play time and walking or biking for transportation.
To assist schools in creating supportive environments for physical activity, public health staff can attend/facilitate meetings, provide presentations, best practice information and resources, assist with funding applications and help make connections between schools and local community partners.
The following action plan ideas are provided to help schools interested in addressing the topic of physical activity. Include a selection of activities from each of the five sections below, or brainstorm ideas of your own: