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.
We can help you to incorporate the sample activities below related to physical activity into your school action plan, and/or to engage students, staff, families and community partners to come up with ideas of your own: