Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence is important for promoting lifelong health and well-being and preventing various health conditions. Schools are in a unique position to help children and adolescents get the nationally recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
Active Schools is a comprehensive program that empowers school champions—physical education teachers, classroom teachers, principals, administrators, and parents to create active environments that enable all students to get moving and reach their full potential.
CDC- Physical Activity for Everyone Regular physical activity helps improve your overall health and fitness, and reduces your risk for many chronic diseases. Fitting regular exercise into your daily schedule may seem difficult at first, but the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are more flexible than ever, giving you the freedom to reach your physical activity goals through different types and amounts of activities each week. It's easier than you think!
Nutrition.Gov Physical Activity Resources Find information and resources related to physical activity and weight management.
Arizona Department of Health Services, Healthy Living-Physical Activity The goal of the Arizona Physical Activity Program is to promote moderate daily physical activity in order to prevent and control chronic disease morbidity and mortality. Physical activity is a healthy practice that strengthens muscles and bones, improves the pumping ability of the heart, boosts the immune system, and strengthens nearly every other system of the body. Physical activity may include brisk walking, running, playing basketball, and even activities like pushing a stroller, house cleaning, and gardening.
GoNoodle GoNoodle is a free online program that helps teachers and parents get kids moving with short interactive video activities. Desk-side movement helps kids achieve more by keeping them engaged and motivated throughout the day. GoNoodle is designed with K-5 classrooms in mind.
Brain Breaks Brain Breaks® is a dynamic online platform designed for teachers to support Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WCWCC), and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Great for before school, during school, and after school hours, these 3-5 minute web-based games, videos, and resource links provide focused educational “shorts” to teach, raise awareness, and inspire kids to take action in creating a better world for themselves and others.
CDC Classroom Physical Activity Classroom physical activity includes physical activity (e.g., stretching, jumping, dancing) performed in the classroom. It includes integrating physical activity into academic classroom instruction as well as providing breaks from instruction specifically designed for physical activity. Classroom physical activity can take place at any time during the school day, last 5–15 minutes, and occur in one or several sessions throughout the school day.
Action for Healthy Kids Classroom teachers can integrate movement-based activities to energize a group after lunch or to relax and calm a class before a test, after lunch, or at the end of the day. There are many names for physical activity breaks such as brain breaks, energizers, and brain boosters. Regardless of what you call it, the goal is simple! Get kids out of their seats and physically active throughout the school day. And don't forget to have fun, too!
© 2023 Arizona Department of Education
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