School Directors

3. Planning physical activity for students before , during and after school additional to the official PE curriculum

It is important to provide children with a variety of activities and times throughout the day when they can be active. Researches show that children tend to have greater physical activity participation levels when they are encouraged to and provided with the opportunity to try different types of physical activity. By providing more opportunities, the children are more likely to find activities that they enjoy. This is important as preference for an activity may also be associated with changes in physical activity levels. There is difference between physical education and physical activity. Physical education (PE) is a class in which students learn the benefits, skills and training principles of physical activity. For example, during a basketball unit in PE students spend time learning the rules of the game and practicing skills specific to the sport, such as shooting or passing. Ideally PE programs show kids why and how to take ownership of their own lifelong fitness plans in a safe and healthful way through a broad range of activities.

Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving – walking, dancing, biking, yoga, exercise, sports, etc. Schools can provide physical activity time through PE classes, recess, fitness breaks, classroom learning that incorporates movement, before and after school programming, field trips that include physical activity and by establishing walk and bike to school programs. As with any effort to create a healthier school environment, parent involvement is crucial for success.

The school setting offers multiple opportunities for all students, not just those who are athletically inclined,to enjoy physical activity outside of physical education classes: walking to and from school; enjoying recess; physical activity clubs, and indoor sports programs; and having classroom lessons that incorporate physical activities. These opportunities help students learn how to weave physical activity into their daily routines.

Learning Objective

The learning objective of this step is to provide knowledge about the various types of physical activities that can be integrated in the school daily life in addition to the official PE curriculum. After completing this step school directors will be able to plan and popularize physical activities of any kind in the school life of children, and furthermore doing it in a way to further motivate students, make them enjoy their time and give them possibilities to be physically active as a way of life, not as a part of their obligations in school.

Online Resources

• Comprehensive School physical Activity programs: A guide for SchoolsThis guide is for schools and school districts to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive physical activity programs. School-age youth should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day; therefore, schools have a significant role to play in helping students achieve this recommendation. This guide will help schools identify how to establish more active school environments.
• Brent’s Sport and Physical Activity StrategyThe document represents a case study of the Brent’s community strategy in integration of sports in schools as well as organizing different physical activities for the period 2010-2015.
• Integrating Physical Activity into the Complete School DaySchools can integrate physical activity throughout the school day by scheduling physical activity breaks and including physical activities during academic classes, creating opportunities for students to be active between classes, and providing physical activity before, during, and after school and through organized programs such as intramurals and recess.
• Curriculum MapsThe website offers curriculum maps for various subjects, PE included.