Google Translate Disclaimer

Translation on this website is provided by Google Translate, a third-party automated translator tool. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of translations performed by Google Translate, or for any issues or damages resulting from its use.

Children playing outside
print header

Schools

Physical Activity

Research shows that in addition to physical health benefits, 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 classroom instruction, sports, intramurals, dance, as well as through play time and walking or biking to and from school. 

Whole School Approaches 

Health evidence and resources are provided to aid in the creation of policies and supportive environments to help increase physical activity throughout the school day.

To promote a healthy school environment and encourage physical activity, consider the following activities as part of your health and well-being action plan:

Policy Creation

  • Consider policies and supportive environments to create opportunities for students to meet Daily Physical activity (DPA) requirements. 
  • Create School Travel Planning friendly policies and supportive environments with the support of public health nurses involved in our Simcoe Muskoka On the Move initiative to encourage more students to walk and wheel for their school journey and to address local barriers and enablers to active school travel. 
  • Consider the health evidence in the Naturalized Outdoor Play Areas report to design policies and supportive environments that promote student opportunities to increase their physical activity in a natural environment. 
  • Enhance Community Use of Schools policies to broaden public access for people to gather, learn and stay active in affordable and accessible places. 

Increase physical activity during the school day

Educator and Classroom Resources

Health Unit Programs and Services 

To assist schools in creating policies and supportive environments for physical activity, public health staff can attend/facilitate meetings, provide best practice information and resources, assist with funding applications and help make connections between schools and local community partners.
On the Move is a comprehensive initiative designed to increase physical activity of students by encouraging active forms of transportation for their school journey. A school committee collects data with the help of public health nurse to assess barriers and enablers and to create an On the Move Active Plan. 

The PALS program(available in English and French) is an elementary school, student leadership program. It provides opportunities to help foster a sense of belonging and inclusion among students, while engaging them in physical activity in the school yard. The program motto is “There’s always room for one more.”

Public health nurses facilitate training for school staff or volunteers to facilitate the PALS program. The trained facilitators then engage junior and intermediate students to become playground activity leaders for younger students.

Borrow the health unit’s tarmac stencils (PDF) and tarmac stencil games booklet (PDF) to paint your playground and help encourage students to be active at recess.

Contact the School Health team at [email protected]. 

For Students, Parents and Families

There are many ways to engage students in promoting physical activity:

  • As a peer leader in the PALS program, or by encouraging student voice through On the Move or OPHEA Healthy Schools committees/activities, many school based physical activity programs offer opportunities for student engagement and leadership in addition to increasing their daily physical activity.
  • 24 Hour Movement Guidelines (English / French) - Find out how much physical activity is needed for children and youth. School based programs related to physical activity can reduce the time students spend sitting during the day and increase the opportunity to be active so students can meet the 24 Hour Movement Guidelines.

There are many ways to engage parents/families in promoting physical activity, such as;

  • Engagement opportunities: Parents and caregivers can be involved in school committees such as the parent council, OPHEA Healthy Schools, Eco-Schools or On the Move committees to promote community involvement in schools. 
  • Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (English / French): Adult involvement in promoting physical activity helps students to set realistic goals and provides a good example for the children who are watching. Children with caregivers who enjoy being physically active, are more likely to be physically active.

Walk or Wheel

Walking or cycling to school is a great way for students to get the 60 minutes of daily physical activity needed for good mental and physical health. Physical activity is associated with doing better in school as well as emotional regulation and pro-social behaviour (helping, sharing, cooperating). It also builds responsibility and independence and helps them feel more connected to the community. More walkers mean less traffic around schools, which helps keep students safe and improves outdoor air quality. Even one day a week of walking or cycling to school can make a big difference!
Find out more at On the Move.

Outdoor Play

Active play supports development in many ways – especially when the play is outdoors, self-directed and fun. Students can explore boundaries and problem-solve, develop social skills, resolve conflict, and practice controlling their emotions and behaviours.
Active play outdoors in the fresh air and nature helps to improve mood and lower stress. Support your child to play outside with friends in the neighbourhood and in your local green spaces.

For more information, visit After school (simcoemuskokahealth.org)

Lead the Way!

Habits can last a lifetime and have a real impact over time. Find fun and easy ways to fit movement into your day by choosing physical activity that you enjoy. Whatever you choose works towards sixty minutes a day, every day.

For more information, visit Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines.

Need Volunteer hours?

Did you know you can volunteer and be active at the same time? There are opportunities everywhere! Look around where you live. Are there leaves to rake? Snow to shovel? Yards to clean up? Do you like to dance? Are you good at drama? Reach out to your elementary school or community center to help with an annual performance. Do you enjoy sports? Youth programs are often in need of leaders for fun outdoor activities. Maybe you’re interested in how your community is built to support walking and cycling and can join a municipal planning committee. Volunteering is a great way to demonstrate your skills, learn new ones and connect with your community.

For more information, visit Active communities (simcoemuskokahealth.org)

For More information

For more information, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or email [email protected]. 
 
Did you find what you were looking for today?
What did you like about this page?
How can we improve this page?
Page
Feedback

If you have any questions or concerns that require a response, please contact Health Connection directly.

Thanks for your feedback.
Failed to submit comment. Please try submitting again or contact us at the Health Unit.
Comment already submitted ...