Educating with an Emphasis on Wellness
How can physical educators instill the importance of physical education and activity to their colleagues, and assist them integrate activity into their classrooms?
"Exercise is like fertilizer for the brain...it's so good it's like Miracle Gro"
- John Ratey, Author of Spark
Talking to many physical education teachers, a common theme came up about the importance of modelling behaviour. This can show other teachers that incorporating physical activity and going outdoors is feasible and beneficial.
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Another theme that came up was not being afraid to take the initiative. As a physical educator if you have an idea for an interdisciplinary project, or ways for teachers to incorporate physical activity into the classroom then come forward and SHARE IT!
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The 'trickle-down' or 'ripple' effect also came up many times, referring to when administration saw the value oh physical activity, this would often trickle-down to staff, school events, and use of DPA in the school and classroom.
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This finding led to another question; how do we show upper levels of Education and Administration the importance of Physical Activity?
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One way to do this is to show the connection between physical activity and student success in the classroom. See the TedTalks in the resources section below for some more information on this link and a case study from Naperville, Illinois (Ratey, )
Resources and References
Spark: the revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain
Ratey explores the connection between physical activity and the brain, and how exercise can help us to optimally learn.
Run, Jump, Learn! How Exercise can Transform our Schools
John Ratey shows "how we can raise test scores, lower behavioural problems, and help the overall well-being of today's students with fitness-based physical education" (Tedx Talks, 2012).
Want Smarter, Healthier Kids? Try Physical Education!
Listen to Paul Zientarski, the physical education teacher from Naperville with the  fitness-based physical education model that brought Ratey to Illinois.
Healthy Snacks and Non-Competitive Games for All students
The above link takes you to the Ever Active Schools free resource page. Click on the link for Healthy Snacks and Non-Competitive Games for All Students. This resource includes some easy to apply classroom activities.