Importance of Recess, Play, and Active Classrooms
Research has shown that physical activity opportunities throughout the school day can improve: attendance, student motivation, classroom behaviors, social and emotional learning, and cognitive performance. Not only does time spent being active not hinder student learning, it enhances it. You can even incorporate physical activity into various content areas!
Current inactivity pandemic
Websites
Reports on School Policies
Reports on Obesity and Physical Activity
- 2022 - Global Status Report on Physical Activity (WHO)
- 2021 - QPE Policy Project Analysis (UNESCO)
- 2021 - State of Play 2021 (Aspen Institute)
- 2020 - Longitudinal Trends in BMI Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Persons Aged 2–19 Years (CDC)
- 2020 - Overview Report on US Participation (Physical Activity Council)
- 2019 - Global Trends in Insufficient Physical Activity Among Adolescents (WHO)
- 2019 - The Movement Disparity: Parent and Principal Perspectives on Physical Activity in Schools (ActiveSchools)
- 2019 - Unfit to Serve (CDC)
- 2018 - Unhealthy and Unprepared: National Security 2018 (StrongNation)
- 2018 - United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth (National Physical Activity Plan)
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Guidelines for Students
- Adult caregivers of preschool-aged children should encourage active play that includes a variety of activity types.
- Preschool-aged children (ages 3 through 5 years) should be physically active throughout the day to enhance growth and development
- Children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily (Aerobic, Bone Strengthening, and Muscle Strengthening).
- It is important to provide young people opportunities and encouragement to participate in physical activities that are appropriate for their age, that are enjoyable, and that offer variety.
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM
Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP): "Schools play a vital role in ensuring children and adolescents get the nationally recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day...A CSPAP is a multi-component approach by which school districts and schools use all opportunities for students to be physically active, meet the nationally-recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime. A CSPAP reflects strong coordination and synergy across all of the components: physical education as the foundation; physical activity before, during, and after school; staff involvement; and family and community engagement."
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CAMPAIGNS TO INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY