Physical Activity at School - Encouraging Physical Activity

Accommodating Different Needs

Sometimes small things can make a big difference in boosting the enjoyment and participation of physical activity.

• Adopt a flexible and modest dress code for gym classes or sports teams by allowing tracks pants or loose fitting T-shirts.
• Provide extra privacy by closing the gym door and papering over windows.
• Use pinnies to designate different boys’ teams instead of “shirts” vs. “skins”.  Larger boys or those going through puberty may be self- conscious about removing their shirts.
• Consider temporarily scheduling physical activity during the earlier part of the day for those students who are fasting during religious holidays. This will allow them more energy to participate.
• Provide opportunities for students to teach cultural games by assigning students one day in which they are responsible for organizing games. This provides peer-to-peer learning and some ‘time off’ for the teacher.

Convincing Parents that Physical Activity is Good for their Child

As a teacher or perhaps even as a parent yourself, you understand the importance of physical activity. However, if some parents have concerns, you may need to re-assure and inform them that physical activity can help their child in a number of ways.

Area of improvement	Conversation points with parents
Learning	Can maximize learning potential Improves concentration Positive effect on memory, problem-solving and decision-making Enhanced performance in science, math and reading Has been shown in Ontario to increase EQAO test scores
Physical Health	Promotes healthy growth and development Builds and maintains strong bones, muscles, and joints Improves heart and lung function Increases flexibility Improves posture Improves sleep
Emotional Health	Improves self-esteem (also linked positively to academic performance) Decreases stress, anxiety and depression, and mood Decreases likelihood of smoking, and using alcohol and drugs Helps with relaxation Provides opportunities to make friends