Educating with an Emphasis on Wellness
Why is physical activity and an active lifestyle important to school culture?
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Canadian kids are not reaching the levels of Daily Physical Activity required by the Canadian 24 hour Movement Guidelines and in fact our Overall Physical Activity grade is a D+, with a slightly higher score of a C- for Physical Education (Participaction, 2018).
Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress levels, decrease health risks to chronic diseases, and increase strength and energy in its participants (Government of Canada, 2018).
There is also new research coming forward on the importance of physical activity related to brain development and student focus, time on task and overall success in school (Howie, Beets & Pate, 2014).
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"Strong evidence exists that physical activity contributes to the overall well-being of all individuals. People
of all ages can substantially improve their health and quality of life by including a moderate amount of
physical activity in their daily routines. Participation in physical activity contributes to physical, mental and
social well-being, providing benefits to the individual and the community.
Physical activity is vital to all aspects of normal growth and development. Students do not automatically
develop the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes that lead to active, healthy lifestyles, and such
learning should begin in childhood. Administrators and teachers can help provide physical activity
opportunities and develop a desire for lifelong participation in physical activity."
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- Daily Physical Activity School Handbook Grades 1 - 9 (2006)
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When a school can integrate physical activity into it's culture it cultivates a "setting where health is created, supportive environments are built, partnerships are made and many skills are learned " (Government of Alberta, 2009)
How to foster this culture?
In talking to Physical Educators in rural and urban school boards with students from K-12 there were themes that came forward relating to the importance of, and building capacity for, a school culture emphasizing physical activity for life:
Get outside - the connection between physical activities, our minds, and the outdoors ought to be utilized
Modelling - staff and student role models who lead active lifestyles often inspire others to do the same
Maintain spaces and equipment, accessibility influences participation
Look not only at sports, but to recreational and culturally relevant activities
Involve administration, parents and your community - their support can go a long way
These themes are further backed by evidence (see Resource and Reference section below).​
Resources and References
ParticipACTIONÂ Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth (2018)
This report card gives a very comprehensive look at physical activity levels for Canadian Youth. As Educators there are many school specific areas we can focus on to make sure we are doing all we can to help our youth get, and stay, active.Â
This page has a LOT of valuable information so go check it out!
Daily Physical Activity School Handbook for Grades 1-9
This guide contains information, ideas, and inspiration for a successful DPA plan. Within its pages it has many more resources to explore. It is important to be aware that things have changed since this guide came out, and to refresh some ideas to be more relevant in todays schools.
Framework for Kindergarten to Grade 12 Wellness Education
This document gives information related to Wellness in Schools. Physical Activity is only one component of overall Wellness, and this document bridges the gap between PA and overall health and wellness in schools.
School Culture and Physical Activity: A Systematic Review
Rickwood finds some really good connections between physical activity among staff and students, and the relationship this has with school culture. He finds some themes that I found consistent with interviews I completed with teachers around Alberta.
Benefits of Physical Activity
A brief description of the benefits of regular physical activity for everyone and borken into age specific categories. It also includes tips to get and stay active, at any age, make sure you click on the infographic links for even MORE information.