Physical Activity at School

• How Much Physical Activity do Kids Need?
• Fitting it into the Day
• Why is Physical Activity Important?

How Much Physical Activity Do Kids Need?

Canada's Physical Activity Guides for Children and Youth recommend that kids aged 6 to 14:

• Accumulate at least 90 minutes of physical activity throughout the day:
  • 60 minutes of moderate activity (e.g. brisk walking or biking)
  • 30 minutes of vigorous activity (e.g. running, skipping rope or playing basketball)
  • Activity can be added up in five or ten minute intervals
• Cut sedentary activities (such as video games and watching television) by 90 minutes per day.

Fitting it into the Day

It can be challenging to be active for 90 minutes a day. Here are some ideas:

A child could spend:

• 10 minutes walking to school or playing in the playground before school
• 20 minutes in DPA with the classroom teacher or in gym class
• 20 minutes participating in active intramurals at lunch time or during nutrition breaks
• 30 minutes or more biking, skipping or playing soccer with friends after school. Send students home with physical activity homework.
• 10 minutes walking the dog after dinner
• Let parents know the many Benefits of Physical Activity for their children.

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Why is Physical Activity important?

Children need to be physically active for healthy growth and development and to:

• Develop cardiovascular fitness
• Build muscle and bone strength, and
• Increase flexibility

Other benefits for active children:

• Improved self-esteem and body image
• Decreased rates of developing depression
• Less likely to use tobacco and illegal drugs
• Better able to concentrate
• Improved academic achievement
• Better able to cope with stress

Helpful Links:

• Teacher's Guide to Physical Activity for Children (ages 6-9) (517 KB, 8 pages)
• Teacher's Guide to Physical Activity for Youth (ages 10-14) (1.54 MB, 16 pages)

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