Many pediatricians, educators, parents, and other experts are worried about the lack of physical activity kids get at school. Increasingly, students are not offered enough opportunities for movement and exercise in their school day.

In addition to kids choosing screen time over outdoor play and sports, schools and homework also increasingly put children in front of computers, even when they are attending class in person. This cuts into the time kids have to be physically active. In fact, concerning statistics show that students are far too sedentary at school and at home—a trend that’s contributing to serious health concerns.

There are plenty of ways for teachers and parents to encourage movement throughout the day, from running around outside at recess to signing your child up for an afterschool sport. Here are a few ways to encourage children to move more throughout the school day.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. However, a new study has found that only about one-third of high school students meet this recommendation on most days.

How to encourage your kids to be more physically active at school?

The good news is that it’s never too late to start! Here are some tips to help kids be more active at school.

Start with the basics:

Make sure schools provide time each day for moderate to vigorous physical activity (e.g., recess). Schools can also increase opportunities by adding short bouts of physical activity throughout the day as part of lessons or before/after classes.

Get moving in class:                

Create opportunities for movement within classrooms or use mobile devices so kids can be active while they learn. For example, have students stand up and move around during short brain breaks or use active learning strategies that incorporate movement (e.g., dancing).

Find ways to be active on the way to school:

Walk, bike, or take public transportation to school whenever possible. Encourage kids to get off the bus one stop early, walk the rest of the way, and get in some physical activity on their way to school.

Plan fun physical activities after school:

Take advantage of long summer days by finding ways for kids to be more active during the afternoon hours. Plan an after-school bike ride or hike, organize a neighborhood pickup game, or head to the gym, pool, or playground.

Join the fight against childhood obesity:

Lead by example and get active with your kids. Show them that physical activity is important for their health and well-being.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. However, a new study has found that only about one-third of high school students meet this recommendation on most days.

Why Physical activities are important for kids?

Physical activity is important for children and adolescents because it:

Helps promote physical health and wellness:

Regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence contributes to the development of a healthy heart, lungs, bones, and muscles.

Helps improve mental health:

Regular physical activity may help protect against emotional problems such as depression and anxiety during middle school years when peer relationships can be especially challenging. It also helps children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) concentrate better.

Helps children reach important developmental milestones:

Physical activity can help kids continue to grow taller and stronger, develop coordination and flexibility, improve mood, and increase body awareness.

Helps support learning success in school:

The more physically active children are at school, the better their reading and IB Chemistry Tutor test scores

Boosts overall physical activity levels:

Physical activity during the school day can help carry over into increased physical activity levels during non-school hours. This is important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk for obesity and chronic diseases later in life.

Final Thoughts:

It’s clear that physical activity is important for kids both academically and physically. By following the tips above, parents, educators, and community members can help create more opportunities for children to be active at school.

Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone, but it’s especially important for kids. By following these tips, parents and educators can help create a school environment where physical activity is encouraged and supported.

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